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Herbie Hancock: Jazz Profile: Herbie Hancock

By AAJ Staff
May 1, 1997
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The highly publicized and much anticipated Blue Note Jazz Profile Series has, for this writer, been a disappointment. The reason is certainly not because of the music. Herbie Hancock has distinguished himself over the past three decades, as a exceptional pianist and composer. He has extraordinary range from straight ahead jazz to fusion to funk and to R&B. Herbie Hancock's association with Blue Note and the recordings that were produced during the 1960's far exceed the packaging of this selection of songs from the Herbie Hancock on Blue Note catalog.

What's missing from this package? Herbie's first top ten record as a composer, "Watermelon Man" for starters.

During the 1960's Herbie was part of the Miles Davis Quintet featuring Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter and the late Tony Williams. There are two compositions "Eye of the Hurricane" and "Cantaloupe Island" on this compilation that feature the rhythm section of Hancock-Carter-Williams, one of the most prolific in the history of jazz.

I recently heard him perform at the Keswick Theater in Glenside, PA featuring Craig Handy on saxophone and Dave Holland on bass. While most of the music played was taken from "The New Standard" CD, Herbie dipped into his vast work and performed a few gems as well.

Nevertheless, I need to get to the point. If you enjoy listening to Herbie Hancock, you should not spend your hard earned dollars on the Blue Note Jazz Profile. Instead, do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of "The Best of Blue Note Years."

The aforementioned compilation released in 1988 will provide a more comprehensive representation of the music Herbie Hancock recorded for Blue Note.

Included in the package are "Watermelon Man"; "Maiden Voyage"; "Dolphin Dance"; "Speak Like A Child"; and of course, "Cantaloupe Island" just to name a few.

All Compositions by Herbie Hancock.

Featuring: Freddie Hubbard - t
Dexter Gordon - ts
Tony Williams - d
Ron Carter - b
Billy Higgins - d
Butch Warren - b
Paul Chambers - b
Willie Bobo - d
Mickey Roker - d
Joe Henderson - ts
Hubert Laws - fl
Tootie Heath - d

Rating is based against artist's complete work (1 to 5 stars)

1-poor

Personnel

Herbie Hancock

piano

Album information

Title: Jazz Profile: Herbie Hancock | Year Released: 1997 | Record Label: Sine Qua Non

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