Chameleon (composition)

"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.

"Chameleon"
Instrumental by Herbie Hancock
from the album Head Hunters
Released	1973 (1973)
Recorded	September 1973
Genre	Funk,[1] jazz-funk[2]
Length	15:41
Label	Columbia
Composer(s)	Herbie Hancock Paul Jackson Harvey Mason Bennie Maupin
Producer(s)	Herbie Hancock David Rubinson

Background

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 performance

Chart (1974)	Peak position
US Billboard Hot 100[8]	42
US Billboard Hot Soul Singles[9]	18

Other recordings

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:

• Maceo Parker
• Buddy Rich
• Stanley Jordan
• Big Sam's Funky Nation
• Maynard Ferguson
• Eddie Jefferson
• Gov't Mule
• Jazz Warriors
• Monty Alexander with Sly Dunbar & Robbie Shakespeare
• Michał Urbaniak
• The String Cheese Incident
• Umphrey's McGee
• James Morrison