Chameleon

Wikipedia and Songfacts credit all four members as writers, while Ethan Hein credits Hancock alone. It was recorded in September 1973 and runs 15:41, or 15:44 in Wikipedia's lead; the single edit is 2:50. Per Wikipedia, citing Synthtopia and Keyboard, Hancock played the signature 12-note bass line on an ARP Odyssey, plus one keyboard solo, with the other on Rhodes; Bass Musician Magazine lists Paul Jackson on bass guitar, and the two claims are not reconciled. Rock and Roll Globe describes it starting with drums and a keyboard bass line with each instrument adding a layer, Hancock soloing first, then joining Mason, Summers and Jackson after a bass break, and Maupin closing with a solo. Ethan Hein analyzes it in B-flat Dorian over a two-chord vamp, Bbm7 and Eb7, with a bassline of partial arpeggios, tresillo rhythm and chromatic walkups.

The 1974 single reached 42 on the Hot 100 and 18 on the soul chart. Wikipedia calls it one of the most widely recognized jazz standards, and lists performances by Maceo Parker, Buddy Rich, Stanley Jordan, Maynard Ferguson, Gov't Mule, Monty Alexander with Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare, the String Cheese Incident and Umphrey's McGee. We found no samples, video or setlist counts.