Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Takin' Off

Some of you may only know Herbie Hancock as the composer behind the immensely successful and influential proto-hip hop hit "Rockit." Long before the '80s, Hancock was already one of the most respected and beloved Jazz pianists and composers of the 1960s. Hancock's airy playing and elegant yet strange arrangements made him an instant favorite amongst Alfred Lion and Frank Wolff, and for this legendary date, they put him in the studio with the ubiquitous ryhthm section of Warren and Higgens, along with Freddie Hubbard, and the elusive Dexter Gordon. The results were stellar, but only hinted at the greatness to come. If this piques your interest in Hancock, I highly recommend spending some quality time with Empyrean Isles or Maiden Voyage.

1 comment:

Darryl Whalen said...

and he was only 22 years old! holy shit! thanks for the jazz. man!