Review: Two out-and-out rarities from Hancock's Columbia-era output. Strictly the sole preserve of DJ promo back in 79/80, the clue is in the title 'special' disco remixes. Smooth, soulful and arranged with such style, every element of Herbie's essential ingredients is brought to the fore in its own time with its own space. "Stars In Your Eyes" swoons with a soulful ballad feel while "Saturday Night" pumps and jumps with party-pulling allure. Simply essential.
Review: Herbie Hancock has been responsible for many era-defining records over the years - "Rockit" being a particularly good example - but few of his compositions have been quite as game changing as "Chameleon". First featured on 1973 album "Head Hunters", the 15-minute epic was revolutionary in a number of ways, not least in its use of a killer 12-note bassline, "percussive" style guitar parts and loose-limbed funk beat. It remains one of the greatest jazz-funk moments of all time, as this timely reissue proves. This time round, it comes accompanied by another "Head Hunters" classic - Hancock's groovy, synth-laden re-recording of his own 1962 composition "Watermelon Man". Two stone cold classics for the price of one: what's not to like?
Review: Recognised as one of the most prolific jazz pianists of all time, Herbie Hancock played with greats such as Donald Byrd and Miles Davis. He was one of the first to embrace and master the electric piano. He bounced back and forth between his electronic and acoustic sound, touching upon almost every development in R&B, funk and jazz while retaining an original and distinctive voice. Fat Albert Rotunda is the eighth album by Hancock, released in 1969 and his first release for Warner Bros. since his departure from Blue Note Records. The music was originally done for the TV show 'Hey, Hey, Hey, It's Fat Albert' and was a noticeable change in style - incorporating soul music as the basis of his compositions.
Review: Fat Albert Rotunda represents one of Herbie Hancock's earliest forays into jazz-funk and is centred around the music he composed for the Fat Albert cartoon show. Released between his landmark album Maiden Voyage in 1965 and the classic Head Hunters from 1973, it stands out in Hancock's catalogue - despite said catalogue being so packed with gems. The album features funky tracks like 'Fat Mama' and jazz-oriented tunes such as 'Tell Me A Bedtime Story', wih Hancock supported by a stellar sextet including Joe Henderson on tenor sax, Johnny Coles on trumpet and Buster Williams on bass. Although Hancock's work spans various developments in jazz, funk, and r&b, he always maintained a unique voice, and this is a great example of it at its most distinctive.
Review: Blue Note's Classic Vinyl Series turns its focus to the one and only Herbie Hancock here for another superb reissue that will keep the jazz heads happy. His long player Empyrean Isles landed in 1964 as his fourth overall. For this one Hancock linked up with his Miles Davis bandmates including Ron Carter on bass and Tony Williams on drums with Freddie Hubbard also on board with his trusty trumpet. The record works through hard bop and modal as well as plenty of soulful jazz sounds and is another standout in Hancock's discography.
Review: Speak Like A Child by Herbie Hancock is a groundbreaking album that defies categorization, blending elements of post-bop, modal jazz, and funk into a cohesive and forward-thinking sound only to be slotted into a wide spanning genre like Jazz-Fusion. The title track, 'Speak Like A Child', is a standout composition that highlights Hancock's signature piano playing, characterized by its lyrical melodies and inventive harmonies. The album features intricate arrangements and complex rhythms, with each track offering a unique sonic journey for the listener. Hancock's ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz while maintaining a deep respect for the genre's roots is clear throughout the album. 'Speak Like A Child' remains a landmark recording in Hancock's discography, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.
Review: Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, recorded in 1965, remains a cornerstone of jazz history, capturing the the era's musical evolution. The ensemble, featuring notable players like Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and George Coleman on tenor sax, creates a rich blend of sound that resonates with listeners. Hancock's piano feels more vibrant, with increased dynamic range, while Hubbard and Coleman's horns possess a lifelike clarity with this new pressing. The bass from Ron Carter has a rich pluck and Tony Williams' drumming resonates beautifully as the celebrated pianist navigates a sonic ocean with his stellar MDQ crew, crafting a series of tone poems that evoke the essence of water. Hancock's compositions explore the delicate balance of movement and stillness, with Coleman providing a reassuring anchor amid the chaos. Freddie Hubbard's more disruptive approach contrasts beautifully, adding depth to the texture. The rhythm section is perpetually in motion, embodying the album's theme of fluidity. Tracks like 'Survival of the Fittest' show Hancock's deft architecture, oscillating between chaos and calm, making for a timeless exploration of sound and emotion, a masterpiece that resonates through the ages.
Review: Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock sure did love to record music. The New Standard was his fortieth, four oh, album and not by a long way was it his last. It came in 1996 on the Verve label and is the sound of the great American musicians offering up his own jazz renditions of classic and more contemporary rock and r&b tunes. The star-studded sextet also features saxophonist Michael Brecker, guitarist John Scofield, bassist Dave Holland, percussionist Don Alias and drummer Jack DeJohnette with some of the original tunes by the likes of Peter Gabriel, Prince, Kurt Cobain and Stevie Wonder.
Watermelon Man (CD1: Omaha Civic Auditorium music Hall, Omaha, Ne, 17th November 1975 Kjso-FM)
Hang Up Your Hang-Ups
Steppin' In It
Bubbles
Shkere
Heartbeat
DJ Intro/Chameleon (CD2: Ivanhoe Theater, Chicago, Il, 16th February 1977 Wxrt-FM)
Hang Up Your Hang-Ups
Maiden Voyage
It Remains To Be Seen
Review: This double CD showcases two live radio broadcasts from jazz hero Herbie Hancock, and each one was recorded two years apart. The first disc features the early Headhunters lineup delivering dynamic jazz-funk with tracks from Manchild and a fresh take on the classic 'Watermelon Man.' The second disc highlights the skills of Jaco Pastorius on bass, and he is joined by James Levi in a tight rhythm section. Herbie Hancock and Bennie Maupin lead with powerful performances including an electrifying version of 'Chameleon.' Together, these recordings capture Hancock's innovative mid-seventies jazz-funk sound in all their glory.
Review: Japanese artist Kimiko Kasai is a revered vocalist who worked in the world of jazz throughout the eighties. Her unique style made her an in-demand collaborator who worked with the likes of Mal Waldron, Gil Evans and Herbie Hancock. She released a total of 23 albums on majors including EMI which is where, in 1987, she dropped this full-length of electro-pop Japanese works. Perigo A Noite features a collection of songs all written by the lady herself and many of them have an adult and exotic style that blends pop, funk and soul with her signature jazz.
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