This is a live recording by a group led by Mike Clark. Recorded on a high-quality soundboard with good separation of instruments and fine adjustments to the left and right. Mike Clark, the leader, is of course the drummer of the Headhunters, but the other members are so strong that he may be the least well-known. The funky bass is played by Paul Jackson, and the soul jazz guitar is played by Melvin Sparks, a master of the silversmithing. James Brown and Fred Wesley have a unique presence. It starts with a JB-like song, but you’re bound to hear the standard tunes of the Headhunters, such as “Watermelon Man” and “Chameleon.” They also play Wayne Shorter’s famous song “Footprints,” which is widely known for Miles. Although there is no keyboard player, the funk that mixes the Headhunters with the JBs is a must-listen. Recorded Live at Stella Blue, Asheville, NC, December 30, 2001 EX-Soundboard recording 98 min DISC 1 01. 4 STRING DRIVE 02. PEOPLE CRY 03. WATERMELON MAN 04. TIPTOE THROUGH THE GHETTO 05. FUNK IS… BILL DOGGETT 06. FOOTPRINTS DISC 2 01. ROCK ME 0 2. I NEED SOME MONEY 03. HOUSE PARTY 04. DOING IT TO DEATH 05. CHAMELEON encore 06. THE VIPER Mike Clark – drums Andy Cleaves – trumpet Fred Wesley – trombone Melvin Sparks – guitar Paul Jackson – bass