Review: Initially inspired by a request by long-term supporters Jazz FM to perform a live remake of one of their favourite albums, Herbie Hancock's peerless Headhunters, Chameleons sees rising British jazz-funk and contemporary jazz combo Mama Terra dive deeper into the great man's catalogue on a set recorded live at a gig in Glasgow. In keeping with their own style, they made a conscious decision to replace the formative synth sounds and future-funk influences prevalent on Hancock's work of the 70s and 80s with acoustic instrumentation. It's a bold move but, thanks to their undoubted quality and deft touch, works well. For proof, check the languid and laidback breeze through 'Butterfly', a wonderfully gritty and low-slung jazz-funk re-make of 'Chameleon' and the triumphant takes on earlier Hancock works 'Cantaloupe Island' and 'Watermelon Man'.
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