The Headhunters, one of the premier funk-jazz ensembles in music, paid a visit to the Stone Church last Saturday evening. Over the course of a nearly two-and-a-half hour set, the band took the large, enthusiastic crowd on a diverse, groove-laden trip.

The Headhunters, one of the premier funk-jazz ensembles in music, paid a visit to the Stone Church last Saturday evening. Over the course of a nearly two-and-a-half hour set, the band took the large, enthusiastic crowd on a diverse, groove-laden trip.

It all began with a beer bottle—a Sam Adams Light beer bottle, which percussionist Bill Summers used for the intro to the band’s classic version of Herbie Hancock’s “Watermelon Man.” From there, the band played an incisive set of old school instrumental funk blended with straight-ahead jazz, Latin and New Orleans second line grooves. The music was anchored by the rock-solid work of drummer Mike Clark and bassist George Porter, who provided a strong foundation for the searing improvisational flights of saxophonist Donald Harrison, and keyboardist Jerry Z. Summers added a wide variety of percussive colors that perfectly fit each moment in the music. The set featured such notable Headhunters tunes as “Sly,” “Chameleon” and the beautifully lyrical “Butterfly.”

The band also delved into several cover/tribute songs. “Mustang Sally” was offered as a tribute to the recently deceased Wilson Pickett, featuring Porter’s soulfully stirring vocals. Harrison took over the vocal duties for a tribute to James Brown with “I’ve Got the Feelin.’” He then led a call and response with the crowd on the New Orleans tribute “Who Nah Nay.” This latter featured a hard-driving second line groove from drummer Clark.

All five musicians are highly accomplished and were all prominently featured. Porter, in particular, was a sight to behold and listen to, with his relaxed approach to the bass.

The Amorphous Trio opened the evening with a solid set of instrumental jazz-rock tunes that were imaginatively anchored by drummer Paul Donahue.