Herve Hovington [Import]

1. Un Train Dans La Nuit

2. A Tous Les Coups Jeu D'amour

3. Son Desir Danse

4. Comment T'oublier

5. Sur Le Pava

6. Quand No Se Voit

7. La Ville A Traverse

8. Elle Brulait De L'interieur

9. Au Bar Des Mirages

Herve Hovington,Herve Hovington,Unidisc,World Music

Average customer rating: A new generation of Hancock music to love! Herbie Hancock, Possibilities Should Have Bought Just The One Song I Liked Great Listening THE MASTER TEACHES THE KIDS SOME TRICKS...

Possibilities Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Vector Recordings ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Back Home Souls Alike Magic Time Try! John Mayer Trio Live in Concert A Time To Love ASIN: B000AARK2Q Release Date: 2005-08-30

Tracks:

1. Stitched Up featuring John Mayer
2. Safiatou featuring Santana and Angilique Kidjo
3. A Song For You featuring Christina Aguilera
4. I Do It For Your Love featuring Paul Simon
5. Hush, Hush, Hush featuring Annie Lennox
6. Sister Moon featuring Sting
7. When Love Comes To Town featuring Jonny Lang and Joss Stone
8. Don't Explain featuring Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan
9. I Just Called To Say I Love You featuring Raul Midon (also featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica)
10. Gelo No Montana featuring Trey Anastasio

Amazon.com

Possibilities, by jazz piano/keyboard legend Herbie Hancock, with songs by Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon, and Leon Russell, is a multigenerational masterpiece. Rock's "it boy" John Mayer leads off the CD with the spare, bouncy opener, "Stitched Up." Brit-born soul girl Joss Stone and bluesman Jonny Lang get down on the gutbucket "When Love Comes to Town." Christina Aguilera's excellent vocals illuminate "A Song for You." Not to be outdone, Annie Lennox delivers an operatic take on Holly Cole's "Hush, Hush, Hush," while Sting's "Sister Moon" swings with stealthy syncopations. Santana and the Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo provide the world flavor on "Safiotou," and the dreamy "Gelo No Montana," with ex-Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, is the lone instrumental. Hancock's tight solos and intelligent orchestral synths radiate all of the tracks. Like Frank Sinatra's Duets and Ray Charles's Genius Loves Company, Possibilities introduces Hancock to a new and awestruck generation. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Recommended Herbie Hancock Discography

Maiden Voyage (RVG Edition)

Headhunters

Speak Like a Child (RVG Edition)

Album Description

Imagine the possibilities…..

"Possibilities" is the musical event of the year. The album is a series of inspired encounters between Herbie Hancock and world-renowned musicians - including John Mayer, Sting, Trey Anastasio, Annie Lennox, Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan, Santana and Angelique Kidjo, Paul Simon, Christina Aguilera, Jonny Lang, Joss Stone, and Raul Midon. Herbie Hancock describes "Possibilities" this way: "This is a real collaboration that we're doing here. It's all been decided at the session, a record without borders, woven like a tapestry with many colors. The possibilities are endless"

Customer Reviews:

A new generation of Hancock music to love!.......2007-06-08

The mix of artists Herbie Hancock chose to work with was exceptional. There's a track on the playlist for everyone to love. Haunting melodies to ones that make you want to clap and sing along.
It's one of the best CD's I've purchased in a long time!

Herbie Hancock, Possibilities.......2007-03-23

The very best I've heard in a long time. So many talents with Herbie. Christina Aguilara is excellent, Joss Stone, Sting very best arrangements of great songs. Loved it, refer it to all my grown-up music loving friends.

Should Have Bought Just The One Song I Liked.......2007-03-09

What a disappointment this album was. If not for the first duet with John Mayer, this CD would be nothing but a coaster for me.

Great Listening.......2007-01-10

This album is masterfully done. Everytime you listen to it you will come away with something new and exciting.

THE MASTER TEACHES THE KIDS SOME TRICKS..........2006-10-25

For those of us who fear that "American Idol" is in the process of ruining an entire generation of performers, this disc gives hope. In making this record, Herbie has taught an entire roster of "stars" that part being a star is to know that every note DOESN'T HAVE TO BE over-sung or over-played. This set is packed with wonderfully matched songs and artists with arrangement that bring out the best in all.

The singing of Paul Simon, Annie Lennox, Damien Rice with Lisa Hannigan and John Mayer is top notch. And, Christina Aquilera has NEVER sounded this good!

And one final thing. The control and restraint by Herbie Hancock is amazing. Don't worry. He GETS his moments to shine on this disc. But he is masterful in getting out of the way so others can share the spotlight.

POSSIBILITIES is fun and uplifting. At other points, it is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and incredibly sad discs that I've ever heard. It will always be in my music collection and will offer different things to appreciate with each listening. BUY THIS ONE!!!!

Average customer rating: Great jazz album Good, but Empyrean Isles is so much better... Fantastic Voyage would be closer to the truth.. Review is simple GET IT!! I Can't Help Myself...

Maiden Voyage Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Speak No Evil Somethin' Else Moanin' Empyrean Isles The Sidewinder ASIN: B00000IL29 Release Date: 1999-04-20

Tracks:

1. Maiden Voyage
2. The Eye Of The Hurricane
3. Little One
4. Survival Of The Fittest
5. Dolphin Dance

Amazon.com essential recording

In the mid-'60s, a distinctive postbop style evolved among the younger musicians associated with Blue Note, a new synthesis that managed to blend the cool spaciousness of Miles Davis's modal period, some of the fire of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, and touches of the avant-garde's group interaction. Maiden Voyage is a masterpiece of the school, with Hancock's enduring compositions like "Maiden Voyage" and "Dolphin Dance" mingling creative tension and calm repose with strong melodies and airy, suspended harmonies that give form to his evocative sea imagery. Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard was at a creative peak, stretching his extraordinary technique to the limits in search of a Coltrane-like fluency on the heated "Eye of the Storm," while the underrated tenor saxophonist George Coleman adds a developed lyricism to the session. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Great jazz album.......2007-07-11

Great jazz album from the '60s. This one belongs high up in the pantheon of jazz albums that include Miles Davis's Kind of Blue, John Coltrane's Blue Train, and Speak No Evil by Wayne Shorter. If you feel that these other albums are essiential jazz listening, then you will certainly enjoy 'Maiden Voyage' by Herbie Hancock, and you will see why people still rave about this album today.
If you are an experienced jazz fan then you will most definately already have an opinion on this album, but if you are just getting into jazz then this album should certainly be on your 'to buy' list. Firm five stars from me!

Good, but Empyrean Isles is so much better..........2007-05-26

What we have here is an album that fails to live up to the standards that the first two and last tracks set. I'd rather hear Miles Davis' version of Little One found on E.S.P. - this one just plods along for a seeming eternity. So does Survival of the Fittest. Both okay songs - neither of them are bad, that's for sure - but they could've seen to be shorter. That's why I don't see Maiden Voyage as being on the same level of Empyrean Isles. It's just not.
Now for the good news. The three well-known pieces on this album make it worth the buy. The title track is the token easygoing blues groover (i.e. Watermelon Man and Canteloupe Island) with a simple theme that's hard to get out of your head nonetheless. Next up is the frenetic Eye of the Hurricane, which provides a perfect contrast. Third and final is the quiet ballad Dolphin Dance, a gorgeous thing that rules as much as the other two I mentioned. And that Hancock covers such a wide range of emotions on this record is another point towards it.
So I like this album, and like many others this was my first exposure to Herbie Hancock. But he's put out at least one better record, arguably two (Headhunters also makes the list).

Fantastic Voyage would be closer to the truth.........2006-11-06

I feel the salty smell of the sea when I listen to this album.

My family and myself heard an interpretation of the title
track in a cafe, in a small town on the "Pacific Coast Frontier".
The wave of the melody swept over me like the evening fog.

Absolutely amazing..

Review is simple GET IT!!.......2006-09-06

Why go to a lot of trouble to discuss in depth one of the greatest jazz albums ever crafted?

Well, let me just say:

If you consider yourself a Jazz Fan. . .then you NEED this album.

It is not the ONLY ALBUM . . .or anything like that. . .but this continues to be an influence on anyone serious about jazz.

It is one of the twenty greatest jazz albums of all time.

Chris Tune

I Can't Help Myself..........2006-08-30

"The emperor has no clothes!" There, I said it - finally. I have been wanting to say that about Rudy Van Gelder's stereo recordings for quite some time now. His stereo recordings lack ambiance and have very small soundstages with no depth. This should come as no surprise since most were recorded in his parents living room, but even those that were recorded in a proper studio are no better. Of all the jazz available on CD today, the Blue Note label represents the bottom of the sonic barrel. That's too bad since Blue Note owns most of the greatest jazz performances ever put to tape.

This album was recorded in a real studio, but it suffers the same problems as most of Rudy's other stereo recordings. To make matters worse, it has distortion that isn't normally present in RVG's work, perhaps it's due to problems related to the tape's magnetic coating flaking off. Suffice it to say this is no audiophile quality CD.

All ranting about the sound quality aside, this is an excellent jazz performance. I don't need to tell you how good it is - just read all the other reviews.

Average customer rating: Awesome fusion classic Funk Brilliance MR. HANDS TOOK HEADS ON A RIDE WITH THIS! A Good Concept To The Head Of The Class

Head Hunters Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music Similar Items: Thrust Maiden Voyage Heavy Weather Speak No Evil Bitches Brew ASIN: B000002AGP Release Date: 1997-03-25

Tracks:

1. Chameleon
2. Watermelon Man
3. Sly
4. Vein Melter

Amazon.com

Keyboardist Herbie Hancock's remarkable career took a surprising turn with this funk album--one of the first jazz albums to be certified gold. Hancock's already-storied career had included an extended tenure with Miles Davis as a member of both the classic quintet of the '60s and the trumpeter's groundbreaking electric dates. As a leader, the pianist had followed a similar course, cutting both outstanding acoustic dates (Maiden Voyage, Empyrean Isles) and experimental electric sessions (Sextant, Crossings).

Head Hunters, however, was something different: a stripped-down date featuring reedman Bennie Maupin as the only horn player, and a funk-oriented rhythm section made up of Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason, and Bill Summers. Hancock traded in his sophisticated piano performances and complex compositions for simple melodies, slow-burn funk grooves, and light electric keyboard splashes. The results, particularly on the tracks "Chameleon" and "Watermelon Man," had a profound impact on other musicians, although critics charged Hancock with playing to the galleries. But the album has stood the test of time--something neither the wealth of Hancock's imitators nor his own subsequent albums in this vein have been able to do. --Fred Goodman

Album Details

Limited Millennium Edition. Packed in a Heavy Weight Card Wallet that Faithfully Recreates the Original Vinyl Sleeve, Right Down to the Inner Bag. The Wallet Comes in a Plastic Cover.

Customer Reviews:

Awesome fusion classic.......2007-07-16

This is in my Holy Trinity of jazz-fusion albums, along with Miles Davis' In a Silent Way and the Mahavishnu Orchestra's Inner Mounting Flame. And while it's not Hancock's greatest work (Emperyean Isles is), it's still a very recommended album.
The most famous song is the reworking of Watermelon Man, a standard from Hancock's debut (Takin' Off) here radically reworked into a funk song with someone blowing into a beer bottle during the introduction. I think that the Takin' Off version of this song is better. But that's all because it's the original, and 99% of the time the original's gonna be the best. I love this version of the song too - he gives the song a total makeover, as if he were an outsider covering the song. If you're gonna remake the classics, HERE'S how ya do it. Watermelon Man was actually a pretty big radio hit, and was (I think) Herbie's commercial breakthrough.
The other classic composition on this album is the funky Chameleon. Very long song, but very good: lots of tasty solos and a solid bass groove, like everything funky should have. Interestingly, there's no guitar on this album - there's a lot of clavinet, though. So it plays up the "funk" part of fusion and downplays the "rock" element.
Anyway, next comes the lengthy, energetic Sly: again, great song, this one being a tribute to Sly Stone, who you might know for pinoeering the funk genre (or wearing a huge blonde mohawk at the Grammies - years of being a self-exiled drug burnout do funny things to your brain, I suppose). The final song is the slow ballad-ish Vein Melter, which is yet another winner in my book: lots of synthesizers (by Hancock) and ghostly bass clarinet (by Bernie Maupin, who added a lot to those Miles Davis fusion records). Probably the weakest song here, but look at the competition, you know?
Right, so Head Hunters is a must-have album for all fusion fans. Hell, even if you're a funk fan who doesn't own a single jazz album, Head Hunters may still have something to offer you.

Funk Brilliance.......2007-07-12

I love Herbie Hancock's jazz material, so I tend to like the 60s Hancock, the Miles period, his work with VSOP, and some of his more recent material which I feel is a return to form.

Funk is not up there on my favourites, but its not a personal hate either. As far as an example of classic 70s funk jazz then this album has got to be a defining moment, along with Herbie's related work, Thrust.

Not much else to add, I'm sure Funk lovers will give this one a higher rating. Its a fun purchase to have, a little dated to my ear, but an important piece of its time. Many good moments on it to be had, and if you dig funk more than me than this should be a great album for you.

Hard to recommend, yet hard not to either

MR. HANDS TOOK HEADS ON A RIDE WITH THIS!.......2007-04-05

After the lackluster reception he recived from Sextant, Mr. Hands regrouped, formed a new group and recorded this monster of a fusion album. By '73, Herbie was a afterthought. His predecessors failed to meet commercial expectations and his fanbase was dwindling down to the "die hard". "Headhunters" was to Mr. Hands what "Some Girls" was to the Stones in 78' and "Mama Said Knock you Out" was to LL Cool J in 90'. It was a tour de force that restored his commercial success and placed him back in the public conscious.

Headhunters is one of those albums that rose Herbie to legendary status in the jazz world and "Chameleon" is the prime reason to purchase the album. The track is driven by one of the most infectious basslines in r&b history and never lets up as they include some of the trippy sound bites and solos that can be found on Sextant. The only difference this time around is that its more balanced out with the main groove- giving it a universal presence that all music lovers can get into.

There's no need for me to explain the genius behind "Watermelon Man" since there's nothing I can say about that track that hasn't been said before. Unless someone mentioned the fact that the groove been used in countless hip hop songs( comes to show the amount of orginality hip hop producers have. Ha Ha!)

An underrated gem on this album that deserves recognition is "Sly". The groove starts off slow and gradually progresses to this facinating hybrid of a hard "Shaft" like wah wah groove and an africanized precussive back drop substaining the groove. Im my opinion, this is Mr. hands best piano performance on the album as his soloing is every bit as colorful and furious as the groove. Beenie Maupin dish out his sax chops like its nobody's business and comes close to stealing the show from Herbie. "Sly" is pure fire.

The album closes out appropriately with "Vien Melter". It doesn't raise the temperature like the other three tracks, but after the fast and furious funk on "Sly", its a welcome cooldown after the throwdown.

There you have it, Headhunters from the words of another reviewer who love it to death. Don't take my word for it. Put Headhunters in and let it go to your Head!

A Good Concept.......2007-02-24

In the time that this was released, Herbie had struck jazz gold in the release of this landmark album. He took Miles' far out funk stew, dumbed it down, threw in some catchy hooks, and took some great solos to create this 70's masterpiece.

This laid the groundwork for jazz, funk, smooth jazz, jazz pop, and even some rock records to come decades later.

Some of it regresses into Miles' endless riffing Fusion stylings, but when this group finds the pocket, it is DEEP.

A great record and worth the buy.

To The Head Of The Class.......2007-02-02

It was all about Sly Stone.

Herbie Hancock - in a December 1996 essay included in the liner notes to Head Hunters - writes, "I started thinking about Sly Stone and how much I loved his music and how funky 'Thank You For Letting Me Be Myself' is. I was hearing that song over and over again."

From that inspiration from one artist to another came this jazz-funk classic. Clean production, ample room for Bennie Maupin (reeds), Harvey Mason (drums) and Bill Summers (percussion) to stretch their solos, with bassist Paul Jackson pushing the rhythm and Hancock pulling down unique electronic sounds in the Fall 1973 recording sessions that produced this extraordinary album.

Hancock is nothing less than superb on the classic Chameleon and Sly, the band's tribute to Sly Stone. The studio tricks on Chameleon are a special treat. Vein Melter covers a more jazzy terrain, while Watermelon Man produces some hot work from Mason and Summers.

The 1970s brought a revolution of musical vision, with Head Hunters near the top of the pack in busting down the finite walls of sound and delivering infinite possibilities through a new generation of musicians who had jazz in their hearts and funk running through their veins.

Average customer rating: Classic Herbie great overview of Hancock's stuff A Tasty Aperitif

The Essential Herbie Hancock Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Soul-Jazz & Boogaloo | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Possibilities The Best of Herbie Hancock: The Blue Note Years Head Hunters Maiden Voyage The Essential George Benson ASIN: B000E6EJ7U Release Date: 2006-02-28

Tracks:

1. Watermelon
2. 'Round Midnight
3. Cantaloupe Island
4. Maiden Voyage
5. Circle
6. The Sorcerer
7. Tell Me a Bedtime Story
8. Hidden Shadows
9. Chameleon
10. Joanna's Theme 4:47

Tracks:

1. Butterfly
2. People Music
3. Milestones
4. 4 Am
5. Come Running To Me
6. Finger Painting
7. Stars In Your Eyes
8. Rockit
9. St. Louis Blues
10. Manhattan

Amazon.com

This 2-CD, 21-track compilation shows how keyboardist/composer/bandleader Herbie Hancock successfully crossed the boundaries of jazz and pop for four decades. Compiled from five record labels, from 1962 to 2000, tracks like "Circle" showcase his legendary stint in Miles Davis' mid-'60s acoustic combos, and "Maiden Voyage," and "Cantaloupe Island" are but two of his historic jazz compositions from his Blue Note period. But hits like his smash soul-fusion, 70s Headhunters cut, "Chameleon," the evocative "Come Running to Me," which featured the vocoder voice synthesizer, and the hip-hop anthem "Rockit," which broke through the MTV video barrier, garnered younger generations of fans. Not to be forgotten are his excellent movie themes, including his eerie 1986 Oscar-winning soundtrack "Round Midnight," his poppin' collaboration with bassist Jaco Pastorius on "4 A.M.," and his rhythmic rendezvous with Stevie Wonder on W.C. Handy's "St. Louis Blues." Herbie Hancock is essential, in any time or style. --Eugene Holley, Jr.

Customer Reviews:

Classic Herbie.......2007-02-02

No other artist in the last 45 years of jazz has remained on the cutting edge of the music like pianist and keyboardist Herbie Hancock: a musician with passion, an open mind and an awareness of history that constantly propels him forward into new sonic territory.

After listening to the first few songs on The Essential Herbie Hancock, you'll understand this intimately. Both Hancock's 1962 hit "Watermelon Man" and his 1964 gem "Cantaloupe Island," which quietly made a strong contribution to hip-hop music in the 1990s (the group Us3 sampled Hancock's track for their hit "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)") are included in the collection. You'll also hear 1965's "Maiden Voyage," another mainstay on jazz radio for decades now, and a powerful version of "'Round Midnight" by Sonny Rollins where Hancock cleverly backs the saxophonist. Following these four monster recordings, the lineup for the next tune "Circle" is Hancock on keys, Miles Davis on trumpet, Wayne Shorter on tenor sax, Tony Williams on drums and Ron Carter on bass. Together, they seem to be saying everything "My Funny Valentine" ever said only in a modern and more expressive way.

A very well put-together release, The Essential Herbie Hancock includes recordings from an assortment of labels where Hancock recorded, including Blue Note, Verve and RCA. Some of the songs are largely forgotten, but this album re-introduces them to the listener, not forgetting any period of Hancock's growth and development. "Butterfly," an electronic dirge from Hancock's 1974 album Thrust, is here and is as powerful as ever, as is "Chameleon," Hancock's 1973 funk anthem.

But it is the lesser-known tunes that make The Essential Herbie Hancock a complete statement. "Hidden Shadows," a Hancock composition from 1973, is one such moment: more than 10 minutes of complete control, power and improvisational perfection where Hancock creates a wall of sound using keyboards, electronic effects and, most importantly, his heart and soul.

The last three recordings of this album bring Hancock's career and this compilation full circle. His 1983 club hit "Rockit," where Hancock anticipates a hip-hop future and battles hip-hop DJ Grandmaster D.S.T. with boldness and fun is followed by a little known version of "St. Louis Blues" with Hancock leading Stevie Wonder on vocals and harp. There are few arrangements of "St. Louis Blues" that are this inventive.

Of course, the final song here is "Manhattan," from his album The New Standard, another moment in Hancock's career where he challenged the status quo of jazz. Appropriately, on "Manhattan," it is Hancock on piano, all alone for a few moments and without need for any assistance--because as always, Herbie Hancock knows exactly what he wants to say.

-Brian Gilmore (as it originally appeared in Jazz Times Magazine)

great overview of Hancock's stuff.......2007-01-04

I'm impressed by this collection. I knew just a little of Hancock's work before. I bought this seeking to expand my horizons and it worked.

A Tasty Aperitif.......2006-05-24

There's no way to summarize Herbie Hancock's four and a half decades as a recording artist in two discs. Nonetheless, this is a valid overview for those who have only dipped occasionally into his thick catalog. Because Herbie has dabbled in and helped to invent so many different facets of the jazz spectrum, the song-to-song segues can be jolting. But every one of the twenty tracks chosen for this compilation is worthwhile: from the original "Watermelon Man" through the modal "Maiden Voyage," the space-age "Hidden Shadows," the jazz-funk masterpiece "Chameleon" and the Stevie Wonder-ful "St. Louis Blues." One can quibble with what's left off--I'd love to have a chance to assemble my own version of the "essential Herbie"--but even the lesser known latter-day material is interesting and invigorating. To really get to this man's essence, you need whole albums from the various phases of his career, but for a quick aperitif, this is very tasty.

Originally published in Port Folio Weekly, 5/23/06
Copyright 2006 Port Folio Weekly. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission.

Average customer rating: Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpiece Herbie Hancock Has Arrived... 1+ 3 5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remastering Isle breezes oh so cool

Empyrean Isles Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Maiden Voyage Speak No Evil The Real McCoy Takin' Off Somethin' Else ASIN: B00000I8UG Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

1. One Finger Snap
2. Ololoqui Valley
3. Cantaloupe Island
4. The Egg
5. One Finger Snap (Alternative Take)
6. Oliloqui Valley (Alternative Take)

Amazon.com

Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has had a long and varied career, during which he's enjoyed both creative and commercial success, though seldom at the same time. For many listeners, his creative peak came early, on two stunning Blue Note recordings, Maiden Voyage and the less celebrated Empyrean Isles. Recorded in 1964, Empyrean Isles is the earlier of the two and also the most radical. Hancock's quartet features Freddie Hubbard substituting a cornet for his usual trumpet, and getting a more burnished, slightly warmer sound. Without the jazz-typical saxophone present, Hancock's is almost a naked band, and the single horn blurs the lines between the pianist's mood-rich compositions and improvisation. The group uses the increased sense of space for intense collective creation, with Hancock and drummer Tony Williams pressing far beyond their instruments' usual roles and engaging Hubbard in edgy, complex dialogue, while bassist Ron Carter anchors the performances. Hubbard rises to the occasion with brilliance, responding to the stimulus with a fluency of thought and execution--a daring that built on his avant-garde experience with musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Eric Dolphy. From the breezy "Oliloqui Valley" to the funky "Cantaloupe Island" and on to the dissonance of the extended "Egg," this is one of the most significant documents of the Blue Note style that emerged in the mid-'60s. It's music that tests the balance of control and risk, and Hubbard's is also one of the great performances by a trumpeter in modern jazz. --Stuart Broomer

Album Description

Herbie Hancock's fourth Blue Note album with Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams defined the sound that his jazz work would carry to this day: funk, delicate harmonies and experimental improvisation all somehow working together. "One Finger Snap" and, of course, "Cantaloupe Island" have become jazz classics.
Includes two bonus tracks.

Customer Reviews:

Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpiece.......2007-05-26

My knowledge of Herbie Hancock extends to five solo albums plus his work with Miles Davis, so I don't at all consider myself an expert on this guy. But this is my favorite Hancock album that I've heard. And yes, I know (and like) both Maiden Voyage and Headhunters, so don't tell me I don't know Herbie.
Anyway, the first thing to note is the guy behind the drum kit. That's right, Tony Williams is on this album. That should make it reason enough to buy it, no? Here's another. This record has the classic Canteloupe Island on it. Kind of like the original Watermelon Man (the one found on Takin' Off, that is) in that it's based around a simple funk-blues piano theme that becomes the launch pad for some stellar solos from cornet player Freddie Hubbard and Hancock himself. The Egg is also worth your while - its unpredictable structure messes with your head (it could've been three different songs!) and justifies the quarter-hour length. If I had this on vinyl, I could easily see myself spinning side 2 of this album to death.
To be honest, side one can't match up to side two. But I gave this five stars for a reason: Every song rules. One Finger Snap is an exciting, energetic piece of post-bop, and the ballad Oliloqui Valley boasts some melodic bass playing from Ron Carter. I like melodic bass playing.
This is a pure classic, plain and simple. A mix of modal jazz and blues - like Kind of Blue, only less blue. Maiden Voyage pales in comparison.

Herbie Hancock Has Arrived..........2007-05-13

Have you ever come across an artist that has 2 albums so good, it's virtually impossible to determine which of the 2 is better? Well today I'll be reviewing the first of 2 Herbie Hancock's explorations in excellence (with the other being Maiden Voyage).

Empyrean Isles is one of those rare albums that manage to stretch the limits of the English language. It is such a wonderful album that one sometimes struggles to find a word to describe it. Whenever asked how the album is, I always find myself frowning up my face, and then replying with the basic "That one is GOOD!!!" This is one of those albums that achieves perfect balance, and fills in the gaps in the center of your jazz collection. It isn't as subdued as "Kind of Blue", but it isn't quite as upbeat as "Miles Smiles". Empyrean Isles has a little more flare than "Lush Life", but it isn't quite as fiery as "A Love Supreme". To put it plainly, this album is the perfect balance of Freddie Hubbard's fire and Herbie Hancock's melodic harmony, and the fact that Herbie composed every song himself makes it all the more impressive.

I must admit though, in order to get the full effect of this compositional masterpiece, you really need to be sitting home alone or somewhere with your headphones on and your eyes closed. Needless to say the samples are virtually useless. There is no way possible to contain all the harmony, or display all the little nuances that make these compositions great within a 30 second time frame. Do yourself a favor: Take the dive...and enjoy!

1+ 3.......2006-12-06

With Freddie backed by Herbie,Ron Carter,and Tony Williams.This is high-flight crisp and inspiring music.Worthy of repeated listenings. Listen and enjoy.Williams is over the top,very creative and will continue to suprise you with his unceasing inventiveness.I've always noticed how Carter and Williams really spur Hancock on as you will notice in this set.Hancock,one the the truly great pianist of post-bop era,sounds like he is his having the time of his life.It doesn't get much better than this.

5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remastering.......2006-04-13

If you're thinking of upgrading from the previous release I would think twice. I have many of the new RVG remasters and have found most of them with improved sound, although some of them are just louder, not better. But this release is curious to say the least. While the bass is somewhat more prominent it is at the expense of the drums which are a major reason why this session worked. Mr. Williams sounds like he was in the next studio over, in the background, compared to the initial release.

I won't comment on the musical content as others have done a great job with that except to say that this is one of the finest Blue Note sessions ever recorded. At this writing there are a few used copies of the first remaster done by Ron McMaster. I would recommend that you grab that issue instead.

Isle breezes oh so cool.......2005-04-03

Herbie Hancock is definitely one of the best pianist/composer in jazz music today. This CD gives many reasons.

"One finger snap" starts the mood right on this CD. It gets you ready for what Empyrean Isles has in store.

"Cantaloupe Island", as I could remember, was sampled by British pop group Us3 in 1995. The song was murdered for airplay, although its active, jumpy piano loops and bass lines is very addictive.

"Oliloqui Valley" is just as addictive. The upright bass line, simple keys and breezy trumpet notes starting the song can be looped as a song itself.

"The Egg" is an experimental track with some "freestyles" from each instrumentalist. Listen to the drums get beaten to death on one segment.

"Isles" is definitely a Blue Note classic. Cop the record and you would want to keep it in your CD rotation.

Average customer rating: Along with Head Hunters I, his best work BETTER THAN HEADHUNTERS? A worthy and often underrated successor to "Headhunters" AHHH, NICE TO SEE ALL THE GREAT REVIEWS FOR THIS RECORD Jazz-rock, funk for the deep thinker, and a ton of analog synthesizers

Thrust Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Head Hunters Man-Child Sextant Secrets Empyrean Isles ASIN: B000008U0X Release Date: 1998-08-18

Tracks:

1. Palm Grease
2. Actual Proof
3. Butterfly
4. Spank-A-Lee

Amazon.com essential recording

Freshly remastered and reissued with all its pop and zip enhanced, here is one of the stellar recordings of the jazz-rock fusion era. Underpinning this jumping, multirhythmic, fathoms-deep groove music is the percussive power that Herbie Hancock, on squawking, scratching, stuttering, pulsing electronic keyboards, and Paul Jackson on thrumming, wah-wahing bass, add to Mike Clark's straight-up, rock-solid, propulsive drumming. From there, any band member can swoop and dive in celebration of Hancock's vibrant compositions. Bennie Maupin brilliantly deploys several horns in spare, soulful, and otherworldly ways. But listen carefully, too, for the broad palette Hancock employs in lead and comping roles. He augments the streak of Bill Evans melodicism evident in earlier, acoustic years with sustained funk fire and shuddering R&B drive. --Peter Monaghan

Album Description

Remastered 1997 reissue of his 1974 Columbia album in adigipak and with the original artwork. Four tracks,including 'Butterfly' and 'Actual Proof'.

Customer Reviews:

Along with Head Hunters I, his best work.......2007-05-07

In my opinion, this album/CD, along with the first Head Hunters, is Herbie's best work. These are great funk/jazz compositions. They blew my mind when I first heard them back in the 70's and like all great art they transcend time. They are must have. A nice fit with these two pieces is Headhunters "Survival of the Fittest"

BETTER THAN HEADHUNTERS? .......2007-04-06

Yes and no. After the run away success of Headhunters, the band went back in the studio, recruited a new drummer, and recorded this follow up of that classic. Mr. Hands had a lot to live up to after recording a masterpiece and he had no problem delivering the goods on Thrust.

In a way this album is superior to Headhunters. What makes it superior is Mike Clark. His drumming give the jams a lean feel which makes the band musicianship sound looser than it did on Headhunters. Also, the rest of band sound comfortable in their newly found spaced out jazz funk. If you listen closely to the playing on Headhunters, you'll feel a sense of apprehension from the band like they're merely getting their feet wet. But with Thrust, they sound comfortable in their style as they dive in a ocean of spacey funk that predated the "Mothership Connection" by a couple of years.

Track for track, Thrust is approached with the same blueprint as "Headhunters", but Herbie and company refine the same formula well enough to keep things fresh. "Palm Greese" is up there with Chameloen as being one of the funkiest jams in Herbie's catalog, while "Actual Proof" is highlighted by some more long distance soloing from Mr. Hands himself. "Butterfly" is a much better slow piece than Vien Melter and is ultimately the centerpiece of the album. "Spank-a-Lee" is a great way to close out the album with an all out mid tempo jam session driven by Herbie synth bites.

Thrust is packed with back to back highlights but I wouldn't go as far as to say it's just as good or better than Headhunters. For one the compositions are not as potent as it was on its predecessor. The compositions are all great but, only "Palm Grease" and "Butterfly" reach the level of the compostions on Headhunters. On top of that, Herbie really doesn't offer any new ideas as compared to Headhunters. He and his band are just reinforcing the strengths they found on Headhunters.

I highly reccommend this album along with Headhunters. It doesn't matter which one you choose to listen to first because both albums are deeply layered with F.U.N.K.

A worthy and often underrated successor to "Headhunters".......2006-11-11

Herbie Hancock brings so many elements to this recording a continuation of the Jazz/Fusion/Funk mode which is unique at the time since so many others were pursuing the pyrotechnical progressive melding of Rock and Jazz alot of which was missing the level of soulfulness and funkiness of this unit's recordings.

This recording is fun to listen to, makes you want to dance but also has much to just sit and listen to. The same personnel from the "Headhunters" recording is back save for Mike Clark replacing Harvey Mason on drums. Mike provides a different more propulsive sound. An excellent drummer who really cooks on this recording. Bill Summer and him work quite well together.

Bennie Maupin is Bennie Maupin with a tone reminiscent or perhaps he as the same influences as Wayne Shorter. An inventive soloist on both Bass Clarinet and saxophone. He provides all kinds of shades and colors. He is magnificent on "Butterfly" and burns on "Spank-A-Lee".

Herbie provides all those orignal touches and embellishments on keyboards. Clever, inventive, funky, driving, thoughtful. Whatever is needed.

"Palm Grease" is just out and out fun. Funky with a unique funky rhythm and clever breaks. Clark and Summers bring so much to this particular piece. To use a cliche, they just percolate.

"Butterfly" is as beautiful a ballad as you're going to hear in that particular style. As haunting as "Vein Melter" with it's own vibe. For me, it bore repeatedly listening before I moved on to the next cut when I first heard it and it is still fresh after all these years.

"Spankalee" is a tour de force. Funky, burning, rhythmically complex, clever with some outstanding drumming and Bennie just burns bringing the temperature way up.

"Actual Proof" is a showcase for electric keyboards. Herbie has rarely been in finer form.

This recording is a must have for me. Put it right next to your "Headhunters" recording. Since both will be in good company

AHHH, NICE TO SEE ALL THE GREAT REVIEWS FOR THIS RECORD.......2006-09-21

Look no further. This is going to be your favorite Herbie Hancock record. This is really some soulful funky fusion Afro sheeit. In my teens, I got this record as a gift for Christmas one year from the funky white Jazz freak who lived across the street from me. It's still a smooth classic. Man, if you DON'T like this one, check your soul, brother.

Goes down well when you're seducing that foxy little soul sister who works in receiving. All you need to go with this is a lava lamp, some door beads, a black light, an afro-chick poster, some reefer, and a little Kalua and cream on ice. When you put this on, be sure and check out the album cover. Herbie is at the controls, man!!

ENJOY.

Jazz-rock, funk for the deep thinker, and a ton of analog synthesizers.......2006-05-21

Although I enjoyed the Headhunters album (1973), this 1974 release is a bit more appealing - and it has nothing to do with the sci-fi cover art. In general, the playing on this album seems further out there and a bit more sophisticated, even though the only thing that changed was the addition of jaw-dropping virtuoso drummer Mike Clark (shows you just how important the drummer is I guess).

The musicians on this album include the keyboard wizard himself Herbie Hancock playing "traditional" jazz-rock instruments (Fender Rhodes electric piano and Hohner D-6 clavinet) along with just about every synthesizer ARP manufactured in 1974 (ARP Odyssey, ARP Pro Soloist, ARP 2600, and ARP String Ensemble); Bernie Maupin (soprano and tenor saxophone, saxello, bass clarinet, and flute); Paul Jackson (electric bass guitar); Paul Summers (percussion); and drummer extraordinaire Mike Clark (who went on to jam with English jazz rock group Brand X).

Stylistically, this album fuses elements of traditional (straight) jazz with both jazz-rock and funk. With respect to the funk styles, the funk is not the more pop-oriented style of Sly and the Family Stone. This funk is deeply sophisticated and utilizes just about every odd time signature under the sun, which is largely an artifact of Mike Clarks' nimble and intricate technique (Actual Proof is a great example). Furthermore, his emphasis on subtle hesitations within a given bar lends the music an almost "choppy" and "off-kilter" feel. In fact, based upon Mike's comments in the liner notes (that he wrote), he seemed unwilling to play anything straight - I for one am glad, because I do not care for straight funk that much. Come to think of it, I am a progressive rock fan for crying out loud. I should note that bassist Paul is also excellent and does not "swing" either - then again, he has to follow Mike and they are both locked in tight on this album.

With respect to the heavy use of synthesizers on this album, I personally like the sounds that Herbie gets. Although synthesizers may turn some jazz fans off, I am a bit more accepting because my musical tastes include both 1970's electronica and European progressive rock.

All in all, this is a superb album of jazz-rock/funk from one of the genre's greatest musicians. Recommended along with Headhunters (1973) and albums by other influential Miles Davis alumni including John McLaughlin/Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra - Birds of Fire, 1973); Joe Zawinul/Wayne Shorter (Weather Report - Black Market, 1976); and Chick Corea (Return to Forever - Romantic Warrior, 1976).

Average customer rating: Pure Gold Why isn't this more popular? Underrated All-Star Lineup Makes this a Sure Thing Best of the 60's

Takin' Off Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Empyrean Isles Maiden Voyage Speak No Evil The Sidewinder Somethin' Else ASIN: B000005H3A Release Date: 1996-05-28

Tracks:

1. Watermelon Man
2. Three Bags Full
3. Empty Pockets
4. The Maze
5. Driftin'
6. Alone And I
7. Watermelon Man (Alt. Take)
8. Three Bags Full (Alt. Take)
9. Empty Pockets (Alt. Take)

Amazon.com essential recording

In some respects Herbie Hancock's first recording as a leader typifies the hard-bop/funk of many late-'50s/early-'60s Blue Note productions (notably Horace Silver's tight-knit group). At the same time, Hancock's lyrical bent and pliable comping point toward the greater abstraction and open-ended, chamber dimensions to come. Blue Note's splendid remastering brings the underrated bassist Butch Warren's bedrock sonority into focus, while Dexter Gordon's laconic virility meshes surprisingly well with the pianist's quicksilver palette. And for those who want to hear the original, unadulterated version of Hancock's earliest signature composition "Watermelon Man," look no further. The disc is rounded out by additional, previously unissued alternate takes. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews:

Pure Gold.......2006-03-25

This album is pure gold. Dexter Gordon and Freddie Hubbard take some of the most melodic and beautiful solos in the history of recorded jazz- not to mention Herbie's solos, where he introduces the left hand as a significant tool for improvisation (with the exception of a few, i.e. Art Tatum, Bud Powell, the left hand served more of a straight comping role, where as herbie develops his rhythmic technique to bring jazz piano to a whole new level). Listen to the solos on Driftin and Maze. Sheer genius. If you haven't heard this album, purchase it immediately. It is a must-hear for anyone even remotely interested in jazz.

Why isn't this more popular?.......2005-11-27

In the last year or so, I've truly come to appreciate the second great miles davis quintet: Miles, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. During that time, I've also come to appreciate early acoustic Herbie Hancock. If it were not for records like TAKIN OFF and MAIDEN VOYAGE, I sincerely believe there never would have been great albums like E.S.P., MILES SMILES, or NEFERTITI. TAKIN OFF really cooks.

TAKIN OFF is Hancock's first solo effort, and a strong one at that. The lineup is pretty impressive with Dexter Gordon (tenor sax), Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Butch Warren (bass), and Billy Higgins (drums). I always thought Gordon was a much better sax player than George Coleman, who appears on MAIDEN VOYAGE, and would have liked to have seen him fill that role.

This record opens up with the popular 'Watermelon Man' which would appear again many years later on HEADHUNTERS, sounding completely different. I actually consider this to be one of the weaker tracks. Next is 'Three Bags Full' which has a beautifully phrased trumpet solo from Hubbard. The interplay between Herbie and the Gordon/Hubbard combination reminds me at times of hearing Coltrane playing with Thelonius Monk. Gordon also shines on this track, sounding comfortable in the setting, with a wonderful solo leading up to Herbie's moment in the sun.

My favorite track is 'Empty Pockets' which open up with Herbie playing the main theme followed by Gordon and Hubbard joining in a few measures later. Every few measures or so, the time doubles and swings for a few moments. The first soloist to follow is Hubbard over the main theme, with Gordon later on. This tracks swings hard at times, and is one of my favorite acoustic Herbie moments. 'The Maze' is another exceptional track - Hubbard really shines here. I have friends who criticize Hubbard as boring, and while he doesn't match up to Miles Davis or Don Cherry, he is overlooked just as much as this fine record is.

The music settles down a bit with 'Driftin,' a catchy tune similar to later Hancock, like 'Cantaloupe Island' off the EMPYREAN ISLES album. This track also has one of my favorite Dexter Gordon solos - you can hear that he listened to a lot of Trane in those days, but then again, who didn't? The album closes out with the soothing '3am afterhours' sound of 'Alone and I.'

Altogether, TAKIN OFF is a much overlooked gem. In addition to this album, I also recommend MAIDEN VOYAGE which was from a couple years later and we can hear a constantly maturing Hancock. After hearing much of his music from this era, we begin to realize how important of an element Herbie Hancock was to the second great Miles Davis quintet. I'll take Herbie anyday over Red Garland or Wynton Kelly!

Underrated.......2004-02-24

Jazz can be a very personal or subjective form of music. To me Takin' Off by Herbie Hancock is one of the best examples of early 1960's music. Other jazz classics of this time period are generally driven by the trumpet and alto sax. Takin' Off features no less than Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, Butch Warren, and Billy Higgins. But it is Hancock who is in charge of tempo and mood.

The result is an album of grace, character and soul. Watermelon Man, Empty Pockets and Driftin' are Hancock classics but all six original songs and the three alternate takes are first rate.

All of this was done by Hancock at age 22. No wonder he was able to easily move on to other, more understated forms of Jazz so easily (Maiden Voyage).

Takin' Off is very underrated and a worthy addition to any collection.

All-Star Lineup Makes this a Sure Thing.......2002-07-23

With the personnel on this recording I can't imagine it not satisfying the needs of any jazz listener.
"Takin' Off" makes a big addition to a well-seasoned jazz collection or a great starting-point for those just starting off.

The natural sound of the horns and the rhythm section together makes this one of my favorite acoustic jazz albums of all time. Freddie Hubbard is nothing short of perfect. His clean sound and virtuosity blend perfectly with Dexter Gordon, Herbie, and the rest of the gang.

I highly recommend "Takin' Off" for anyone. It is accessible to those who may have limited interest in jazz yet complex enough to keep jazz enthusiasts engaged.

Best of the 60's.......2002-02-21

In originality and beauty, this set is only surpassed by the great "Maiden Voyage" a few years later. If you own only one HH album, make it one of these two. Takin' Off is awesome, from the wonder of "Watermelon Man" to the energy of "Three Bags Full", "The Maze", and "Empty Pockets" this set blazes forward with energy and crispness. Absolutely essential.

Average customer rating: Excellent Noisy and Pretentious A challenging and rewarding trip NO GREENHORNS Directions in Music:Live at Massey Hall

Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall Herbie Hancock , Michael Brecker , and Roy Hargrove Manufacturer: Umvd Labels ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music General | Live Albums | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Wide Angles Tales from the Hudson Pilgrimage Michael Brecker Nearness of You: The Ballad Book ASIN: B000063TB7 Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

1. The Sorcerer
2. The Poet
3. So What/Impressions
4. Misstery
5. Naima
6. Transition
7. My Ship
8. D Trane

Amazon.com

Directions in Music marks Herbie Hancock's all-star tribute to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. It's clearly a chance for Hancock to return once again to his creative roots, when he was in Davis's great quintet of the mid-'60s, and he has excellent companions for the journey in Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove, the tenor saxophonist and trumpeter who clearly demonstrate their inspiration in Coltrane and Miles. The CD begins with a reprise of Hancock's "Sorcerer" from his Miles period, with bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade, who were so crucial a part of Wayne Shorter's Footprints Live, and prove themselves just as important here. Blade is especially driving, pressing Hancock and the horns to complex creative dialogue. The synthesis of "So What/Impressions," already closely linked tunes, benefits from the input of some fresh creative thinking, while Brecker's long cadenza on "Naima" is an effective invocation of Coltrane's intrepid virtuosity. Over 78 minutes in length, this is energetic, sometimes brilliant music, in many ways resembling Hancock's own classic, Maiden Voyage. --Stuart Broomer

Customer Reviews:

Excellent.......2006-03-12

I almost had the chance to hear this group live. It would have been an incredible experience to see and hear these guys in concert.

This album pays homage to John Coltrane and Miles Davis, who were not only highly innovative players, but great composers, too. It never really hit me that almost everything Coltrane recorded as a solo artist had been written by him.

Anyway, this album has a very modern sound to it (hence the pushing music forward, "directions" part). The standout track in my opinion, since I am an asipiring jazz saxophonist, is Michael Brecker's solo performance of Coltrane's "Naima". Brecker has the most impressive technique of any living jazz saxophonist. I was not too familiar with Brecker before hearing this album, so hearing him play something like "Naima" was pretty moving.

Noisy and Pretentious.......2005-08-26

OK, I must be in the distinct minority here, but this is an album that is difficult to listen to, and somewhat avant garde. I suppose the bulk of the reviewers here as well as the cheering crowd in Massey Hall are more sophisticated than I. I've been listening to jazz for over 40 years, had my own jazz radio show and play a little myself. I've enjoyed Herbie Hancock and respect his contributions. I've seen him live twice, once with the Headhunters in 1975 and again about 4 or 5 years ago with Wayne Shorter. Hancock has gone through many phases. I didn't get Mwandishi or Rockit with that guitar/keyboard contraption. Also, I didn't get the performance with Wayne Shorter with all the meandering and drifting. My sense at that time was he is the star, and if you don't get it, tough cookies.
Now we get some superb jazz performers doing their thing, with more meandering, squawking, off key sounding horns (as if they were sucking lemons) and we're supposed to cheer about it. So great, they've made their names, they can screw around with these bizarre arrangements, but I'm not obligated to pretend I like it.

A challenging and rewarding trip.......2005-03-06

First, I'd like to address the complaint that bassist John Patitucci and drummer Brian Blade didn't make the front cover. The reason for this is that "Directions in Music" is Hancock, Brecker, and Hargrove. Directions in Music is now touring again, and I just got back from seeing their show in Minneapolis, where their drummer and bassist were Terri Lyne Carrington and Scott Colley, respectively. If there is ever a CD released as a result of the current tour, I suspect there will be similar indignation from Colleyacs and Carringtonphiles.

This CD is very advanced jazz. There is a level of abstraction here that demands that this music be listened to actively, if at all. That isn't to say that this is free jazz; there is a predetermined structure behind what you're hearing, but it feels loose and impressionistic. It is worth the trouble of warming up to. The rhythym section is delightfully responsive to the solos of Brecker and Hargrove, and that goes double for Herbie Hancock, who comes off as a complementary counter-soloist more often than not. Brecker and Hargrove use this support to their advantage. Their solos typically will develop slowly and deliberately, starting out ponderous and using spaces effectively as they build tension to a climactic point at which they get to use the full strength of their dexterity.

At this point, I must make the obligatory "______ alone is worth the price of admission" statement about Impressions. My previous experiences with this song have been Coltrane-styled modal romps. The Directions in Music approach to it was a stunning reinvention (a slow-developing Impressions!).

Naima is just an extended solo by Brecker. It should be treated as an intermission. It tended to get a little too showy as it wore on, but you can take it or leave it; other reviewers have chosen to take it.

I have heard nothing about plans for another Directions in Music CD, but if there is one, here's an idea of what to expect. The most obvious change is the addition of electronic effects in a few of the songs. Hancock has his keyboard, Brecker picks up an EWI (electronic wind instrument), and Hargrove even has a second microphone which he uses to get sound effects out of his trumpet. The concert was also in surround sound. The song selection was entirely different, except for a revisting of The Poet. They also played John Coltrane's Cresent, a tune which is designed to be played dramatically, patiently, and deliberately, so it fits Directions in Music like a glove. Brecker's intermission solo is on the EWI this time. He layers over himself until he's a regular one-man band, playing a funky version of Wayne Shorter's Pinocchio. Again, expendable, but perhaps you would be amused.

Pick this up, figure out what it's about, and keep an eye out for a sequel.

NO GREENHORNS.......2004-11-29

A loving homage to Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Of the three main players here, only Herbie Hancock actually played with Miles Davis. To my knowledge, even Hancock never played with Coltrane. So it is that Michael Brecker in the liner notes writes of listening to Miles and Hancock playing on FOUR PLUS MORE while he was in high school. (Hancock must be feeling old these days.) Even still at least another generation has come up since Brecker and Hargrove won national recognition, so this is not a bunch of greenhorns laying their praises at the memory of the masters.

What Hancock and company have produced are high quality acoustic performances that are more reminiscent of Davis and Coltrane than note for note reproductions of the originals. Roughly half of the cuts are pieces the dynamics duo recorded themselves at one time; the remainder are musical impressions written in their wake. ("The Sorcerer" falls into both categories.)

With the chances to hear these musicians play live declining, this may be the only opportunity we may get to hear jazz of this caliber outside the confines of the studio. This recording comes highly recommended.

Directions in Music:Live at Massey Hall.......2004-01-02

As I listen to this CD, I am brought into an incredible musical journey that completely transcends song forms and grabs hold of the sheer impact that musical lines forged into place have when they reflect the light of the new pathway through the harmonic template. As a musician who is profoundly impacted by this music, with much BIAS, I recommend you give this music a listen.
WOW! I should have flown to Atlanta to see the show.

Average customer rating: Free-jazz intro to Headhunters NOT EXACTLY HEADHUNTERS, BUT IT'S A HEADTRIP! An Old "Freaky" Favorite That Was an Unfortunate Commercial Flop An inventive and visionary work Props due to Patrick Gleeson

Sextant Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Sony ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music Jazz Funk | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Electronica | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Jazz General | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | R&B General | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | R&B General | R&B | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Dance & DJ | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Jazz | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 Pop | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 R&B | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Thrust Man-Child Secrets Head Hunters Crossings ASIN: B000008UTC Release Date: 1998-08-18

Tracks:

1. Rain Dance
2. Hidden Shadows
3. Hornets

Amazon.com essential recording

Recorded with the sly, space-funky band that Herbie Hancock formed as Mwandishi (check out the two-CD Warner Bros. collection), Sextant is one of those cornerstone jazz CDs. It ranks with the best early, electric fusion for its fuzzing of textures, always used as bedrock for killer, roomy solos. A troika of horn greats can take much of the credit for the solos: trombonist Julian Priester, trumpeter Eddie Henderson, and saxist Bennie Maupin. Each generates great, dense ideas without betraying Hancock's eerie ambience and funky vibe. Yes, this is an aggregation of many 1970s-era ideas: renewed sense of Africanisms (at least in the band's naming), intensified percussive underpinnings, and a heap of rumbly rhythms that give props to everyone in neofunk jazz from Clyde Stubblefield to Funkadelic, albeit in a slowed, methodically rhythmic vein. Hancock's keyboards make fine clouds, as well as slinking shuffles. --Andrew Bartlett

Customer Reviews:

Free-jazz intro to Headhunters.......2007-07-01

Herbie Hancock does some exploring in "Sextant", and I'm pretty glad he did. "Rain Dance" opens with some strange ARP-2600 sounds, but eventually becomes a good free jazz song. While Herbie and the guys are playing free, they're not completely in outer space. Eddie Henderson's trumpet reminds me of Miles Davis. This type of playing is Bennie Maupin's strong suite, and former Sun Ra sideman Julian Priester is also very good. Some of the electronic bleeps and blips sound a little silly, but they haven't dated too badly. The only reason I give this 4 instead of 5 is that "Hornets" has a dead spot in the middle of it. I recommend this CD!

NOT EXACTLY HEADHUNTERS, BUT IT'S A HEADTRIP! .......2007-02-25

This may not be as catchy or accessible as Headhunters, but sextant is up to par with its seminal follow up. The spaced out funk jazz that made Headhunters a classic is on this album. The only difference is that the grooves are pushed to the back in favor of trippy solos and sound bits. Since there are three keyboard players on this album, it's hard to tell who's playing at times.

Since the emphasis is on flexin their musical muscles rather than finding a the perfect groove to work out front, This album is a lot more cerebral than anything Mr. Hands did with the Headhunters. This could be a gift and a curse. The gift is that the Herbie Hancock took a ton of musical chances that made this album one of the closet things to pure jazz he ever done during the fusion era. However, in making an album that's musically rich, it alienated a variety of listeners because the causal music fan will get lost amidst the dizzying array of soundscapes(Hey, everybody don't like music on the same level!).

In any case this is an excellent starting point towards finding his definitive sound with Headhunters.

An Old "Freaky" Favorite That Was an Unfortunate Commercial Flop.......2006-11-19

Sextant is weird and freaky! I love it!

I first heard sextant back in 1976 while driving around and camping the US Northwestern states and in Canada with 2 brothers who were stoned most of the time (they never did grow up). That was the summer I first heard Miles Davis and loudly proclaimed - I will NEVER like this S***! A couple of months later and I was groovin' to all of it. Sextant quickly became a favorite. I was a big King Crimson fan at the time so maybe it was Herbie's use of the mellotrons that roped me in?

Anyway, I just really love the incredible spirit of adventure and creativity found on Sextant. It's not like anything I've ever heard and still isn't. Maybe it's a bit like Miles's "On the Corner," surely Herbie was inspired by that session when he and this group of excellent musicians put this together.

When I picked this up I have to admit that I wasn't that struck hearing it after all these years. In fact at one point the thought of taking it to the used CD store occurred to me. But I've listened to it a couple of more times now and the old magic is back in a new and improved remaster.

Sextant being marketed by Columbia as "classic fusion" (whatever that is). This is not like Weather Report's later recordings (Tale Spinnin' and onwards) or like Return to Forever's stuff with Al Dimeola, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White. Sextant is way more "out there" than that stuff. If you buy this expecting that sort of "classic fusion" you are going to be disappointed. If you like really creative stuff ala Miles Davis "On the Corner", Zappa's "Bebop Tango" from Roxy and Elsewhere or maybe King Crimson's "Lark's Tongues in Aspic" I think you are going to love this. Just give it a little time and some quality listening :)

Weird! Freaky!

PS If you pick this up and you like it, then consider picking up Herbie Hancock Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros Recordings. That set contains both Mwandishi and Crossings which were created by this same group of musicians and is very similar in spirit.

An inventive and visionary work.......2006-05-21

Even now some 32 years removed from it's original release this recording stands out for it's inventiveness. The precursor to Headhunters. The music hear is inventive, interesting rhythmic, funky, exotic, quirky and clever.

My personal favorite is "Hidden Shadows" It features a dark exotic field to the horn arrangements, funky rhythm and outstanding soloing.

The music hear is a little more abstract than that of "Headhunters" or "Thrust" but not that far off in concept. Yes, those two recordings are more accessible, but this recording is every bit their equals and in may ways better since it is more expansive.

One of the must have recordings in my opinion. An adventurous amalgamation of funk, jazz and R&B elements by one of the modern masters of music.

Props due to Patrick Gleeson.......2006-03-05

A lot of what went on in fusion before it became commercial and popularized was experimentation with sound. Armed with new electronic toys, musicians created all sorts of sonic textures and new tensions. The masters of the genre were Joe Zawinul with Weather Report and Herbie Hancock with the Mwandishi group heard here. This album really takes it up a notch from "Crossings," the first to feature Patrick Gleeson on synthesizers. Here, Gleeson is featured much more prominently, and the textures of sounds he creates are unlike anything heard before and superior to most everything since. On "Crossings," the horn players are spotlighted individually, whereas here it's more of a group sound; though soloing takes place, the horns are more for different colors to offset the synthesizers. The resulting album is one that sounds extremely alien to the listening mainstream, even to those who appreciate jazz. But to those with an open ear and mind, this album features some of the most fascinating sound (even more sound than music) ever documented on record. A lot of early fusion like this is searching that takes place on record, and though the searching itself can be difficult to listen to, there are some fantastic moments buried within the extended tracks. My favorite track here is "Hidden Shadows," a very funky (though in a different way) jam in something like 19/8 time. But the other two tracks are fascinating as well. What happened as fusion progressed is a streamlining, taking the gems found in the searching and dispensing with the more difficult, tense sections which lead into the gems. While there is some great later fusion, it never matches the spontaneity found on albums like this.

My suggestion if this description sounds at all interesting: buy some of Hancock's material for Blue Note, like "Empyrean Isles," "Speak Like a Child," and "The Prisoner" which document his more adventurous early work, then check out "Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings" which led up to this album. If you like it, you'll get caught up in wanting to see where Hancock's music goes next. Herbie Hancock was and is one of jazz's most progressive musicians, and it is vital to understand the various stages of his development. He's one of those figures much like Miles Davis (with whom he worked for the second half of the 60s...THAT is some magnificent music) who has been a barometer for where jazz is going at all times, seeing as how he's one of the artists taking it in new directions. Thus, the music changes a lot over time, though the impeccable musicianship remains a constant. This album is difficult but worthwhile to learn to appreciate.

Average customer rating: Very nice listening Herbie Hancock - The Blue Note Years A Good Collection of Herbie Hancock's Early Work ...cantaloupes and watermelons... The man who helped reinvent jazz in the 60s

The Best of Herbie Hancock: The Blue Note Years Herbie Hancock Manufacturer: Blue Note Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Bebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music Hard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music Modern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music Blue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music General | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music Modern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music General | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Possibilities The Essential Herbie Hancock Head Hunters Maiden Voyage Song for My Father ASIN: B000005HEX Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Watermelon Man
2. Driftin'
3. Maiden Voyage
4. Dolphin Dance
5. One Finger Snap
6. Cantaloupe Island
7. Riot
8. Speak Like A Child
9. King Cobra

Album Description

Mirroring his onetime boss and mentor Miles Davis' own protean output, Herbie Hancock has explored hard-bop, soul-jazz, fusion, funk-rock, soundtracks, hip-hop-inflected pop ("Rockit"), and many permutations in between. His early work for Blue Note, though, offers the best entrie for newcomers. Compiled from five of his albums for the label and covering a period from 1962-1968, this fine sampler includes highlights off his debut, Takin' Off ("Watermelon Man"), the classic Maiden Voyage (the title track and "Dolphin Dance"), and the early electric album Speak Like a Child (the title track and "Riot"). Add to this more indelible cuts like "Cantaloupe Island" and "One Finger Snap," not to mention the presence of numerous '60s jazz legends (Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Thad Jones, Hank Mobley, Billy Higgins, et al.), and you have perfect way to get a taste of some of the best modern jazz.

Customer Reviews:

Very nice listening.......2007-02-28

I found the music to be everything I had hoped it would be. I'm a big fan of Herbie Hancock and have not been unhappy with anything he has done.

Herbie Hancock - The Blue Note Years.......2006-08-28

I wasn't impressed by his jazz style on this CD. I really liked another of his discs - that's why I tried this one.

A Good Collection of Herbie Hancock's Early Work.......2005-02-20

Although all of these songs are from Herbie Hancock's earlier period, they do make up a very solid collection. Classics like the now standard "Watermelon Man" are songs that you never get tired of, especially when you have great players like Freddie Hubbard and Wayne Shorter in the band. The line-ups on this album are very strong throughout. If you're looking for Herbie Hancock's more futuristic sounding tunes then this album is not what you're looking for. If you're looking for a good collection of his early work, or if you're new to Herbie Hancock and need to find a good introductory disc, then this is definitely the place to go.

...cantaloupes and watermelons..........2003-02-14

...some people dont impress easily anymore...
...STOP DEALING WITH THEM TYPES OF PEOPLE...

you and someone you know should be lissenin to this cd right now... the perfect chill out and relax cd for you and your best buddy... or maybe (if your best buddy is a buddette) yall can talk about who gonna peel the grapes...
nawww, this aint a 'mood enhancing' type of cd, but if you are a man and you find a woman who enjoys real cool jazz music like this, THEN YOU NEED TO KEEP HER!!! (in the least, you should keep her on 'standby'... jus tryin ta help!)...

... yall be good ...

The man who helped reinvent jazz in the 60s.......2002-04-20

I like to think of Herbie Hancock during the sixties Blue Note period as Bill Evans with more swing. One can definitely hear Bill's influence on Herbie in these compositions, which on the surface seem mellow and smooth, but down under burn a strong flame. But to say that Herbie was just a shadow of Bill would be quite wrong, for these compositions prove his own uniqueness and mastery at jazz composition. "Maiden Voyage" is simply one of the best pieces of music I've ever heard. After the first time hearing it through its entirety, I had to get this cd!
Finally, I also highly recommend Nicholas Payton, Mark Whitfield, and Christian McBride's brilliant interpretation of many of the recordings here on their "Fingerpainting: The Music of Herbie Hancock" 1996 release. "Brilliant" is a fair description for both of these recordings.

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