God, this album is unbelievable. Call me crazy, but I think it's even better than Head Hunters. The playing from all 4 musicians is just jaw-dropping. I've recently found a band in the area to play drums in, and am trying to listen to a wide variety of music for influences and ideas. I find myself bobbing my head to this album tonight for the millionth time, and it still doesn't disappoint. Mike Clarke's drumming is unreal. As another music student said to me once, "I listen to that album, and think 'how the fuck does he do that without a metronome?!'". I'm heavily influenced by linear drumming, which is often found in jazz-fusion with players like Clarke, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, and others. Fusion is easily one of my favorite genres of music, and this has to be one of the best records in that field. The interplay between Clarke and Herbie is so tasteful, slick, and fast, without ever being wanky. Check out the track "Actual Proof" for some of the coolest jamming out there. As a musician, it both makes me sick with jealousy, and motivates the hell out of me.
