"Chameleon" | |
---|---|
Instrumental by Herbie Hancock | |
from the album Head Hunters | |
Released | 1973 |
Recorded | September 1973 |
Genre | Funk, [1] jazz-funk [2] |
Length | 15:41 |
Label | Columbia |
Composer(s) |
|
Producer(s) |
|
"Chameleon" is a jazz fusion standard composed by Herbie Hancock with Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson and Harvey Mason, [3] all of whom also performed the original 15:44 full-length version on the 1973 album Head Hunters, [4] and featuring solos by Hancock and Maupin. The 9:41 edit omits an out-of-tune segment, features a new bassline added in at around 6:40 and new instruments added in post-production.
The song has a characteristic bass line and is set to a funk beat. For the most part, it is built entirely on a two-chord vamp: a i-IV in B♭ Dorian (B♭m7 and E♭7). [5] The piece's signature 12-note bass line was played by Hancock on an ARP Odyssey, [6] [7] as was one of the keyboard solos. The other keyboard solo was played on a Rhodes piano.
Chart (1974) | Peak position |
---|---|
US Billboard Hot 100 [8] | 42 |
US Billboard Hot Soul Singles [9] | 18 |
The piece is one of the most widely recognized jazz standards, and has become standard repertoire in many small jazz ensembles. It has been performed by various artists including: