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Herbie Hancock — Watermelon Man
Album: Takin' Off
Avg rating:
7.7

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2149









Released: 1962
Length: 6:59
Plays (last 30 days): 1
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(Instrumental)
Comments (128)add comment
 SRAY wrote:



Thanks for the laugh I needed that. Now get off my lawn.


Yes!  I Agree!   Responding to  some fool griping about this!
Posted 1 week ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Nice πŸ‘―β€β™€οΈ
Posted 3 months ago by jsegal21132    [ Reply ]
I played this in high school jazz band.  Super fun!
Posted 3 months ago by daveysprocket    [ Reply ]
 awhfman wrote:

Frickin' 1962! Amazing!




YES!!
Posted 10 months ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Frickin' 1962! Amazing!
Posted 11 months ago by awhfman    [ Reply ]
Read Herbie’s bio last year - what a brilliant musician
Posted 1 year ago by tm    [ Reply ]
 audiofiend wrote:

More jazz please


Perhaps Bill could spin up a Jazz mix  as an option on RP.  Just a thought which I do have  every now and then but they usually get me into trouble!
Posted 1 year ago by cob427uk1    [ Reply ]
Watermelon Man sounds like he's dancing around Cantaloupe Island.
Posted 1 year ago by blackieray    [ Reply ]
More jazz please
Posted 1 year ago by audiofiend    [ Reply ]
 dwlangham wrote:

To my untrained ear, it sounds like Hubbard and Gordon make the most of their turns atop a superb rhythm section.




Very well stated!  You don't need a "trained ear" to appreciate greatness!
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Great tune although very similar to Cantaloupe Island.
Posted 1 year ago by nicknt    [ Reply ]
 cc_rider wrote:

With a lineup like that, just, wow.
c.




I  Agree!!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
Love the piece, but IMHO it suffers extended time with a repeat / no inspiration for the last two minutes, thus the lower rating.
Posted 2 years ago by Chumbawamba-1984    [ Reply ]
Herbie’s all grown up. What a tune! Groovy with a Capital G. Hats off, Herbie!
Posted 2 years ago by Jolouis    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:


First I thought, "My god, that dude is quite the character." Then I thought, "Wait, I think I know him..."
Posted 2 years ago by forthbrdge    [ Reply ]
One of the all time classic tunes by the Man, Herbie Hancock.  
Posted 2 years ago by LuvinRP    [ Reply ]
With a lineup like that, just, wow.
c.
Posted 2 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
I can almost picture it being summer 1999 and this comes up on the Simcity 3000 soundtrack.  That game did have some sweet jazz music.
 
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
GODLIKE!!!  ICONIC!!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Released this when he was 22. Damn, brother.
Posted 2 years ago by MassivRuss    [ Reply ]
To my untrained ear, it sounds like Hubbard and Gordon make the most of their turns atop a superb rhythm section.
Posted 2 years ago by dwlangham    [ Reply ]
Love this Jazz era, late 60s/early 70s funky vibe
Prefer this version to his later Fusion version
Posted 2 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations... 


Or just switch over to the rock mix on our p
Posted 3 years ago by opaceo    [ Reply ]
Simply sublime. Great for this rainy Friday afternoon. More please.
Posted 3 years ago by doireboy    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
 SmackDaddy wrote:


Or choose the "RP Rock Mix Channel" and stop f'n complaining



Thanks for the laugh I needed that. Now get off my lawn.
Posted 3 years ago by SRAY    [ Reply ]
 pgh_pa_guy wrote:

I'd be curious to see the ages of those who say negative things about music like this. I can't understand some of the sh...tuff that passes for music today.


There probably aren't very many regular listeners here who are under the age of 45, judging by the Top-Rated tunes.  I'm not sure why so many people here resort to ageism when they disagree with another listener/commenter.  You can see the ages of the people who leave comments by the way.  Anyhow, great song.
Posted 3 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Só jazzy and funky on a Friday🍺
Posted 3 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by Easyrider    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations... 


Or choose the "RP Rock Mix Channel" and stop f'n complaining
Posted 3 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
I had to come in from the other room at the sound of Freddie Hubbard. And Dexter Gordon...and, I'm pretty sure, Billy Higgins. What a lineup. I need a jazz version of Radio Paradise.
Posted 3 years ago by fncll    [ Reply ]
 DanielHLloyd wrote:

Don't like this classic? Go listen to the Headhunters version....you will find it a little more funky (in many ways). 


This is the cool lineup - Freddie and Dexter are the coolsters.
Posted 3 years ago by Ian_C    [ Reply ]
damn - power line up from heck. Grooves all over the place and bopping to here and gone.
Posted 3 years ago by Ian_C    [ Reply ]
Don't like this classic? Go listen to the Headhunters version....you will find it a little more funky (in many ways). 
Posted 3 years ago by DanielHLloyd    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Ramsey Lewis to me
Posted 3 years ago by philbertr    [ Reply ]
 RProckStation wrote:

BRING BACK THE ROCK RADIO PARADISE STATION~!
 

It's ROCKING hard for me
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
mindblowing for a 22 year old 
Posted 4 years ago by flatop    [ Reply ]
 PeteCreech wrote:
One of the many things I dislike about jazz is the feeling that the track might never end. Possibly the opposite to that felt by lovers of the genre. I've tried, but I just can't find anything to like.
Nevertheless a burden worth bearing for all the other wonderful music played on RP.
 
bye
Posted 4 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 noe.architecte169 wrote:
 
 
Interesting comment from someone who must be a drummer.  Is that about the slow constancy of the snare?
Posted 4 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
Love the left hand of the drummer 
Posted 4 years ago by noe.architecte169    [ Reply ]
Freddie Hubbard, the horn player on my favorite version of "Cantaloupe Island." Jahahaaaammin'
Posted 4 years ago by forge    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations... 
 

Music is subjective, but if the guy doesn't like Herbie he doesn't like music.
Posted 4 years ago by gmsingh123    [ Reply ]
Might also point out that RP has a 'rock' channel that perhaps would be to your liking...
rhlrstn wrote:

RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations... 
 

Posted 4 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
Posted 8 months ago by rhlrstn:RProckStation wrote:

sucko barfo~!

BRING BACK THE ROCK RADIO PARADISE STATION~!

RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations...

Or, alternatively, you can tune into the RP Rock Mix channel and get down to it!
Posted 4 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
Posted 4 years ago by uksminas    [ Reply ]
I'd be curious to see the ages of those who say negative things about music like this. I can't understand some of the sh...tuff that passes for music today.
Posted 4 years ago by pgh_pa_guy    [ Reply ]
On cable TV, there is a recent program about Blue Note record label. And you hear Herbie and Wayne Shorter talking about music.  

My god, these guys are freakin smart. 
Posted 5 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
 alain.brault wrote:
Don't know why but I'm reminded of the gentleman that heard on the radio that there was a buffoon driving the wrong way on the local highway.
 
"I'm driving the wrong way?  How can you say that when you don't know where I'm going?"
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
I've actually heard this with vocals and lyrics ... and it was almost as good as this original rendition.

Love that fat tone from the trumpet:  Freddie Hubbard is grooving.
Posted 5 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
One of the many things I dislike about jazz is the feeling that the track might never end. Possibly the opposite to that felt by lovers of the genre. I've tried, but I just can't find anything to like.
Nevertheless a burden worth bearing for all the other wonderful music played on RP.
Posted 5 years ago by PeteCreech    [ Reply ]
Putting in the context of modern American music, the the ability to bring soul to everyone across the cultural spectrum, and the unrivaled coolness it bestowed upon each listener, this should be at least a very rare 9.
Posted 5 years ago by KudaRey    [ Reply ]
 rhlrstn wrote:

RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations... 
 

+1
...or take the chance to go for an adventurous (and educational) musical journey on RP...
Posted 5 years ago by saellig668552    [ Reply ]
 RProckStation wrote:
sucko barfo~!

BRING BACK THE ROCK RADIO PARADISE STATION~!
 
RP is branded as "Eclectic" not Rock... if that's what you're looking for, go tune into one of a million FM stations... 
Posted 5 years ago by rhlrstn    [ Reply ]
sucko barfo~!

BRING BACK THE ROCK RADIO PARADISE STATION~!
Posted 5 years ago by RProckStation    [ Reply ]
ahhh - finally.  Through the seas of PSD.  THANK YOU HERBIE!
Posted 5 years ago by ciarataylor    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:


kcar, there is one thing I have learned from this comment board,  I learned it in college and grad school of course many times over before that........people like you are complete and utter buffoons. 


 
Don't know why but I'm reminded of the gentleman that heard on the radio that there was a buffoon driving the wrong way on the local highway.

"Shit, there's way more than one....."

Sounds familiar?  
Posted 5 years ago by alain.brault    [ Reply ]
Gotta Dance
Posted 6 years ago by japlath    [ Reply ]
No, I'm decreasing to only 4 - Acceptablle
Posted 6 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
To me this is 7 - Quite Likeable 
Posted 6 years ago by Tomasni    [ Reply ]
https://i1.wp.com/latinjazznet.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Herbie-Hancock-corrected-LJN.jpg?resize=640%2C400
Posted 7 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
Corn fields do that to you?
Posted 7 years ago by LAwolf8    [ Reply ]
 minjinsor wrote:
космичСская ΠΌΡƒΠ·Ρ‹ΠΊΠ°{#Bananajam}-Π΄ΠΆΠ°Π· !
 
space jazz music   !
Posted 7 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
Herbie Hancock: the proud graduate of Grinnell College in Grinnell Iowa. One of the finest liberal arts colleges in the midwest. Located smack dab in the middle of the state...corn fields.

Although...US highway 6 use to run through the middle of town. This is the same highway that Jack Kerouac hitch hiked for "On the Road", so maybe he spent time there...got a piece of pie and ogled midwest girls...before he was pissing off a flat bed truck...screaming across Nebraska in the moonlight.       
Posted 7 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}{#Bananajam}{#Bananasplit}
Posted 7 years ago by Garyohh    [ Reply ]
космичСская ΠΌΡƒΠ·Ρ‹ΠΊΠ°{#Bananajam}-Π΄ΠΆΠ°Π· !
Posted 7 years ago by minjinsor    [ Reply ]
 Skydog wrote:

Butch Warren, Billy Higgins

 
John McLaughlin?
Posted 7 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
 misterbearbaby wrote:

Dexter Gordon. Freddie Hubbard. Herbie Hancock.

What at this moment is lacking?



 
Butch Warren, Billy Higgins
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 MargoMallen wrote:
Outstanding indeed!!!!

 
{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}{#Clap}
Posted 8 years ago by VH1    [ Reply ]
4th wine of the evening, leaning over my laptop with 2 cheap Logitech speakers booming....sounds good to me.

screw it.....8. 
Posted 8 years ago by Huey    [ Reply ]

Dexter Gordon. Freddie Hubbard. Herbie Hancock.

What at this moment is lacking?


Posted 9 years ago by misterbearbaby    [ Reply ]
This is kind of similar to the vibe that was put down by Coltrane-Tyner.    

My gosh...Dexter Gordon and John Contrane playing around in different bands.

 
Posted 9 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Great composition by a musical icon.
Posted 9 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

British sign:
As far as I can tell, you don't play an instrument and don't know much if anything about music theory. Fine. If you believe that wouldn't gain any greater interest in or liking for certain kinds of music by learning to play, or learning music theory or...just making the slightest effort to listen in a different way, you're entitled to your belief.

But you have nothing to say about music. Having a prolonged conversation with you about music would drive most people mad. Trust me, I speak from painful experience. A two-minute chat about music with someone like Herbie Hancock would be more informative, interesting and enlightening than a three-hour discussion with you.  

("High-priced"? Money has nothing to do with it. A formal education with lecture, discussion, grades, etc. isn't necessary at all.) 

For someone supposedly so fed up with this subject, rdo, you sure do bring it up a lot. Without any solicitation, invitation or provocation. If you want to keep your thoughts about music in a miserably tiny box, have at it. Just don't expect the rest of us to join you there or respond to your tiresome attempts at inciting a debate.  

Is someone paying you to be a jerk on these boards? If so, they're definitely getting their money's worth. 
 

 
I don't think any theoretical knowledge is required to dig such a cool tune like this.
Posted 9 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
make it stop
please make it stop ... {#Frustrated}
this song seems sooo long, and the little squeeze box in the living room has no "psd" option

I wish I actually know about music so I can appreciate this (like all other musicians {#Bananajam}{#Drummer} who like the technique and all), because all I can hear now is the repetitive , continuous sounds..

(i am not saying the song is bad, just so I don't get the rage of HH & watermelon followers.. just.. sharing my frustration - and lack of music taste some would say- here :D {#Crashcomp})
Posted 10 years ago by lososs    [ Reply ]
{#Notworthy}   ... OK, not my preferred version, but {#Notworthy} anyway.
Posted 10 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
 MargoMallen wrote:
Outstanding indeed!!!!

 
{#Clap}    {#Clap}    {#Clap}
Posted 10 years ago by Peter_Bradshaw    [ Reply ]
Outstanding indeed!!!!
Posted 10 years ago by MargoMallen    [ Reply ]
 kcar wrote:

British sign:


As far as I can tell, you don't play an instrument and don't know much if anything about music theory. Fine. If you believe that wouldn't gain any greater interest in or liking for certain kinds of music by learning to play, or learning music theory or...just making the slightest effort to listen in a different way, you're entitled to your belief.

But you have nothing to say about music. Having a prolonged conversation with you about music would drive most people mad. Trust me, I speak from painful experience. A two-minute chat about music with someone like Herbie Hancock would be more informative, interesting and enlightening than a three-hour discussion with you.  

("High-priced"? Money has nothing to do with it. A formal education with lecture, discussion, grades, etc. isn't necessary at all.) 

For someone supposedly so fed up with this subject, rdo, you sure do bring it up a lot. Without any solicitation, invitation or provocation. If you want to keep your thoughts about music in a miserably tiny box, have at it. Just don't expect the rest of us to join you there or respond to your tiresome attempts at inciting a debate.  

Is someone paying you to be a jerk on these boards? If so, they're definitely getting their money's worth. 
 

 

kcar, there is one thing I have learned from this comment board,  I learned it in college and grad school of course many times over before that........people like you are complete and utter buffoons. 


Posted 10 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Someone recently told me I need a little high-priced "re-education" before I can appreciate this crap...
Thanks, but, no thanks.... 

 

For someone supposedly so fed up with this subject, rdo, you sure do bring it up a lot. Without any solicitation, invitation or provocation. If you want to keep your thoughts about music in a miserably tiny box, have at it. Just don't expect the rest of us to join you there or respond to your tiresome attempts at inciting a debate.  

As far as I can tell, you don't play an instrument and don't know much if anything about music theory. Fine. If you believe that wouldn't gain any greater interest in or liking for certain kinds of music by learning to play, or learning music theory or...just making the slightest effort to listen in a different way, you're entitled to your belief.

But you have nothing to say about music. Trust me, I speak from painful experience. A two-minute chat about music with someone like Herbie Hancock would be more informative, interesting and enlightening than a three-hour discussion with you.  

Any time a person makes a dedicated effort to learn a craft, skill, discipline or field, she is going to understand, appreciate and respond more fully to that body of knowledge because it has become a part of herself. That's true of bowling, throwing pottery, designing a house, or learning what it takes to make a piece a music that you don't understand or like at first. 

(AL Tennyson, "Ulysses" excerpt):

I am a part of all that I have met;
Yet all experience is an arch wherethrough
Gleams that untravelled world, whose margin fades
For ever and for ever when I move.
 
Posted 10 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Someone recently told me I need a little high-priced "re-education" before I can appreciate this crap...


Thanks, but, no thanks.... 

 
no cure for braindeath.....
Posted 10 years ago by oldfart48    [ Reply ]
A classic!
Posted 10 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
HH is just so cool
{#Clap} 
Posted 10 years ago by janac13    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:
Someone recently told me I need a little high-priced "re-education" before I can appreciate this crap...


Thanks, but, no thanks.... 

 
I'd say you need to start with a basic education first.{#Beat}
Posted 11 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 PartialZero wrote:
I usually say I don't like Jazz, but this is something fine.  Is this Jazz?
 
Sure.  But that's like touching an oak and asking, "Is this tree?"  There are many species of "tree" and many species of "jazz".
Posted 11 years ago by unclehud    [ Reply ]
Someone recently told me I need a little high-priced "re-education" before I can appreciate this crap...


Thanks, but, no thanks.... 
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Groooovay!
Posted 11 years ago by Leener    [ Reply ]
This is jazz! Beautiful! Deceptively simple here.
Posted 11 years ago by dnabes    [ Reply ]
Cool.
Posted 11 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
Wow, I sure scored on that PSD!
Posted 11 years ago by NeuroGeek    [ Reply ]
I usually say I don't like Jazz, but this is something fine.  Is this Jazz?
Posted 11 years ago by PartialZero    [ Reply ]
Hot Damn!
Posted 11 years ago by amb599    [ Reply ]
Canteloupe Island and Watermelon Man. The man has a knack for fruits and jazz. I love it. Interesting to hear his chronological discography up and through the 80s with "Rockit". This artist is amazing in so many ways. I love it.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Don't know about Romeo but we beDANCIN' right here right now! {#Dancingbanana}
Posted 12 years ago by WayUpNorth    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano}
Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
That was Excellent!
Posted 12 years ago by Stranglersfan    [ Reply ]
Almost 50YEARS old?!  WOW!
Posted 12 years ago by Aud    [ Reply ]
 Hairfarmer wrote:


{#Eh} Plenty of stations tha play instrumental R&B-flavored pop and call it Jazz is more like it.
 

You are correct, Sir!
Posted 13 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
Love the wide range of music.
Posted 13 years ago by CMax    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah!  Love that sforzando at the beginning of each line (well, a couple of 'em anyway).

Posted 13 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
First track of the day and as soon as it came on my grizzly 14 month old daughter broke into a huge grin and started dancing next to the speakers.
Posted 13 years ago by planet_lizard    [ Reply ]
 Rooney wrote:

Part of the beauty of RP is that it doesn't get stuck in a groove.  One size fits all kind of music gets really old and tiring after awhile.  I like your combos RP!  Keep up the good work...{#Clap}


 
Well said

Posted 13 years ago by V12Silly    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:
No, there really aren't plenty of (good) jazz stations out there - especially ones which are commercial-free. 

kcsm.org

Don't get me wrong—the more Jazz on RP, the better. Love HH.

Posted 14 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

No, there really aren't plenty of (good) jazz stations out there - especially ones which are commercial-free.

 
KSDS, baby. In the car if you're here in SD or online otherwise. Great album, with the smilin one on drums!

Posted 14 years ago by C57BL6    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:

Plenty of Jazz stations out there. Don't need any more here. Could use less IMHO.
 
No, there really aren't plenty of (good) jazz stations out there - especially ones which are commercial-free.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:

Plenty of Jazz stations out there. Don't need any more here. Could use less IMHO.
 
eclectic
Definition e·clec·tic
ADJECTIVE 
1.  varied: made up of parts from various sources "an eclectic collection of paintings"
2.  choosing from various sources: choosing what is best or preferred from a variety of sources or styles "an eclectic taste in music"
{#Wave}

Posted 14 years ago by fingerpin    [ Reply ]

Part of the beauty of RP is that it doesn't get stuck in a groove.  One size fits all kind of music gets really old and tiring after awhile.  I like your combos RP!  Keep up the good work...{#Clap}


Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
my mother ruined me playing too much of this and the like.    It makes my fingernails bent backwards.
Posted 14 years ago by duchamp    [ Reply ]
 iTuner wrote:

Plenty of Jazz stations out there. Don't need any more here. Could use less IMHO.
 

{#Eh} Plenty of stations tha play instrumental R&B-flavored pop and call it Jazz is more like it.
Posted 14 years ago by Hairfarmer    [ Reply ]
 4merdj wrote:


Or more Jazz, for that matter, if I might add to your comment. {#Yes}
 
Plenty of Jazz stations out there. Don't need any more here. Could use less IMHO.
Posted 14 years ago by iTuner    [ Reply ]
 KKeith wrote:
Is this the same Herbie Hancock who had that MTV hit in the 80s or is this his dad?
 
The same guy.  He's been in the business since the early 1960's.

Posted 14 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
I grew up with Mongo Santamaria's cover (1963), and until now hadn't heard the original. Wow, Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, and Herbie Hancock?! Also didn't know until now that Takin' Off was Hancock's debut album. Massively cool, Bill.
Posted 14 years ago by WonderLizard    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
I wouldn't mind if this song got more play on RP. {#Music}
 

Or more Jazz, for that matter, if I might add to your comment. {#Yes}
Posted 14 years ago by 4merdj    [ Reply ]
Excellent!{#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
 peter_james_bond wrote:
I wouldn't mind if this song got more play on RP. {#Music}
 
Ditoo!

Posted 14 years ago by CoYoT51    [ Reply ]
I wouldn't mind if this song got more play on RP. {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 Prodigal_SOB wrote:

Well it is jazz, they are allowed to wander from the melody a little and change things around a bit from performance to performance.  Though the two versions are structured and voiced quite differently I think they are in fact the very same song.  In this the original version there is an eight bar piano intro and they go right into the melody at the point when the horns come in.  In the Headhunters version there is a very long vamp intro that you might think of as the melody if it was the first version you heard.   Eventually though (at aprox. 2:30 in your video) they do get around to playing the melody fairly unadorned.   If you start your video at the 2:30 mark and this one at 1:22 where it changes from a solo version to this recording then the two versions might sound a lot closer.  I did finally get around to uploading the Headhunters version.  It was rejected.

 
Whoof!  Just one more reason why I listen to RP (and really dig the commentary!) 

(He says, as he hits the 'Support RP' button...)  {#Smile}

Posted 14 years ago by macadavy    [ Reply ]
HH started out swinging in a good jazz groove and went way downhill, IMHO.

Posted 15 years ago by spindrift    [ Reply ]
 Megavolt wrote:
I was about to ding RP for getting the name of this song wrong, but it really is "Watermelon Man". I was thinking of the "Watermelon Man" from the Headhunters album, a very different song, to the point that is kind of odd they have the same name. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo5GcYeh7XA
 

 
Well it is jazz, they are allowed to wander from the melody a little and change things around a bit from performance to performance.  Though the two versions are structured and voiced quite differently I think they are in fact the very same song.  In this the original version there is an eight bar piano intro and they go right into the melody at the point when the horns come in.  In the Headhunters version there is a very long vamp intro that you might think of as the melody if it was the first version you heard.   Eventually though (at aprox. 2:30 in your video) they do get around to playing the melody fairly unadorned.   If you start your video at the 2:30 mark and this one at 1:22 where it changes from a solo version to this recording then the two versions might sound a lot closer.  I did finally get around to uploading the Headhunters version.  It was rejected.

Posted 15 years ago by Prodigal_SOB    [ Reply ]

 I had thought about uploading this a year or two ago and saw that it had already been rejected, but since the rejected song database doesn't give a CD title I couldn't really tell if it was this one or the electric Headhunters version.  I really was thinking about sending up both of them just to make sure it got its chance when I heard this.  While both of them are great this is definately my favorite of the two.

Posted 15 years ago by Prodigal_SOB    [ Reply ]
I was about to ding RP for getting the name of this song wrong, but it really is "Watermelon Man". I was thinking of the "Watermelon Man" from the Headhunters album, a very different song, to the point that is kind of odd they have the same name. Check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jo5GcYeh7XA
 

Posted 15 years ago by Megavolt    [ Reply ]