HERBIE HANCOCK — Inventions & Dimensions (aka Succotash) (review)

HERBIE HANCOCK — Inventions & Dimensions (aka Succotash) album cover Album · 1964 · Post Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
dreadpirateroberts
'Inventions & Dimensions' is a percussive album, and Hancock spends a certain amount of time in a more rhythmic frame of playing. Not to say that there are no solos (as this is still a bop album) but the mostly rhythmic quartet forces him to play a large amount of chords and provide the harmony with piano alone. In that sense, this is in some ways a perfect solo vehicle, with bass and percussion playing supporting roles. Drummer Willie Bobo, however, has a prominent place in the music, and is co-credited on the 1970s Blue Note reissue, named 'Succotash.'

Bobo does provide an inventive range of backing, often using his toms as part of the beat, rather than only relying on snare and cymbals. He moves from a lounge-pace to a more uptempo one, as on 'A Jump Ahead' or 'Jack Rabbit' where Hancock charges through chords and keeps his soloing nimble, as befitting the title. 'Succotash' is a great opener, with almost jagged playing from Hancock and a hypnotic beat.

The highlight of the record is easily 'Mimosa' which has an almost placid feel - at times it's delicate and soothing, and Hancock's playing is beautiful, foreshadowing moments on his next two albums. 'Mimosa' appears as an alternate take too, though it is fairly even between the two in terms of quality. At times, the rhythm section here almost sends me into a trance, if not for Herbie's soloing it probably would.

The lack of a brass section or additional instruments should make this a percussionists dream, but for piano fans too, this album is a showcase for improvisation, though having an alternate take of 'Mimosa' suggests this one at least, was not wholly improvised. In any event, this is a good album, even if all the pieces on it are not on a par with 'Mimosa' or 'Succotash.' Three and a half stars.
Share this review
more

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer
Please login to post a shout
No shouts posted yet. Be the first member to do so above!

Review Index

Member Zone

Username:
Password:
Stay signed in

Jazz Subgenres

Artists Alpha-index

JMA TOP 5 Jazz ALBUMS

Rating by members, ranked by custom algorithm
Albums with 30 ratings and more
A Love Supreme Post Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
Kind of Blue Cool Jazz
MILES DAVIS
Buy this album from our partners
The Black Saint and the Sinner Lady Progressive Big Band
CHARLES MINGUS
Buy this album from our partners
Blue Train Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners
My Favorite Things Hard Bop
JOHN COLTRANE
Buy this album from our partners

New Jazz Artists

New Jazz Releases

Lee Ritenour & Dave Grusin : Brasil Latin Jazz
LEE RITENOUR
Buy this album from MMA partners
From The North - Gogo Penguin Live In Manchester Nu Jazz
GOGO PENGUIN
Buy this album from MMA partners
Anthony Braxton Saxophone Quartet : Sax QT (Lorraine) 2022 Avant-Garde Jazz
ANTHONY BRAXTON
Buy this album from MMA partners
Sean Khan Presents The Modern Folk & Jazz Ensemble Nu Jazz
SEAN KHAN
Buy this album from MMA partners
Yass Big Band : imMATHEMATICS Eclectic Fusion
TYMAŃSKI YASS ENSEMBLE / YASS BIG BAND
Buy this album from MMA partners
More new releases

New Jazz Online Videos

Fall
SUNNY KIM
js· 3 hours ago
Twilight
RANDY SCOTT
js· 1 day ago
Trifecta - Beck and Call - official video (taken from The New Normal)
TRIFECTA
js· 2 days ago
Phoenix
GRÉGORY PRIVAT
js· 2 days ago
Karrin Allyson EPK for NEW Album "A Kiss For Brazil" Available May 17, 2024 ©Origin Records
KARRIN ALLYSON
js· 2 days ago
More videos

New JMA Jazz Forum Topics

More in the forums

New Site interactions

More...

Latest Jazz News

members-submitted

More in the forums

Social Media

Follow us
Follow us on Twitter Become a Facebook fan RSS Feed