Printed From: JazzMusicArchives.com
Category: Jazz Music Lounges
Forum Name: Jazz Bands, Artists and Genres Appreciation
Forum Description: Discuss specific jazz artists/bands and their members or a specific sub-genre
URL: http://www.JazzMusicArchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=26703 Printed Date: 25 Apr 2024 at 5:43pm Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 10.16 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: LISTEN: Herbie Hancock, who turns 80 todayPosted By: snobb
Subject: LISTEN: Herbie Hancock, who turns 80 today
Date Posted: 12 Apr 2020 at 10:01am
Listen: five classic albums by jazz great Herbie Hancock, who turns 80 today
The US pianist built an indomitable career out of his quest to change and innovate
'Maiden Voyage' (1956)
This is the album on which Hancock comes into his own as both
composer and band leader. After being under the tutelage of Miles Davis
for two years, Hancock took on some of the master's penchant for
understated yet quietly challenging pieces that expanded the outer
reaches of jazz. The arrangements here are adventurous without
sacrificing any of the inherent melody central to his work. This is best exemplified in the yearning title song, which has become a jazz standard, as well the shimmering Dolphin Dance.
'Crossings' (1972)
One of the most "out there" albums recorded by Hancock with his
experimental group Mwandishi. That said, despite its spaced-out Moog
synthesisers, African percussion and off-kilter saxophones, the album
remains a remarkably cogent piece of work. This is primarily because of
Hancock's strident playing on the Fender Rhodes electric piano – some of
his groovy riffs hint at the funk-centric approach of his future works.
'Head Hunters' (1973)
After having his head in the clouds on a string of esoteric albums
with previous band Mwandishi, Hancock returns to earth with this
stone-cold funk classic. Gone is the avant-garde approach of Mwandishi
as Hancock embraces groove. The album is taut, gritty and chock-full of
chunky bass or keyboard riffs; it remains a goldmine for hip-hop producers to sample.
'Future Shock' (1983)
Another example of Hancock's restless muse. After becoming a pop star courtesy of his big-selling Head Hunters, Hancock ditched the funk stylings to embrace technology in this forward-thinking release. Future Shock remains
influential in both the jazz and hip-hop worlds, as it melds funk with
drum machines, sequences and DJ scratching. It also spawned the hit Rock It.
'Gershwin’s World' (1998)
One of the most underrated works in Hancock's oeuvre. This is a
loving tribute to composer George Gershwin and shows a deeper and
soulful side of Hancock’s playing. With a star-studded guest line-up
that includes folk hero Joni Mitchell and legendary saxophonist Wayne
Shorter, this is a wonderful journey into the work of one of the 20th
century's greatest composers.