dreadpirateroberts This is a pretty good introduction to Hancock - and while it omits a few eras (Mwandishi etc) a piece or two that I'd have included ('Mimosa' for instance) that's the nature of a compilation - if it had everything, it'd be a boxed set and not an overview.

'Watermelon Man: The Ultimate Hancock!' is basically a set of his bop styles and a set of his funk styles - which isn't too bad a mix at all. Disc One is probably my preferred disc, blessed by his classic hard and post-bop periods, taking a track or two from a few earlier albums. It's great to see 'The Sorcerer' there and this a little group of three tracks: 'Cantaloupe Island' , 'Oliloqui Valley' and 'Maiden Voyage' (from two of my favourite Hancock albums) back to back in the running order.

Disc Two bounces into Hancock's funk territory, drawing some great pieces from 'Head Hunters', 'Thrust' and 'Man-Child' before finishing with the crossover pop hit 'Rock It' lifted from 1983's 'Future Shock.' Despite this, the inclusion of 'Steppin' In It' over 'Hang Up your Hang Ups' is disappointing - but for fans looking for more Hancock, simply buy his outstanding albums. This compilation is recommended for someone perhaps looking to start investigating two of Herbie Hancock's most critically and commercially successful periods, as it does provide a fair overview of his 60s and 70s output.

In fact it probably makes a pretty good gift for someone new to jazz - because Hancock is such a fine melodic player and a great fusion artist, new listeners should certainly be able to find much to like here.