The Piano
I have seen Herbie Hancock perform live in Europe and in the US. Listening to "The Piano" performed by Herbie Hancock gave me greater appreciation of his genius as a jazz muscian. Having his CDs play in my home is the next best thing to seeing him live.
Herbie Hancock's private voyage to Heaven
Herbie is a genius with the keys. If ever there's a stairways to heaven, I want this music to be there with me. But you already know that and you certainly don't need me to remind you of the undisputed truth.
Just for a moment forget about categories. Don't think of Herbie as a jazz musician. He is a creative genius, period. Always was and always will be. My favorites are his trio recordings, either for Blue Note or CBS. But that's his jazz side.
This is more private. A session, just he, the piano and you. His most personal gift to us, his fans and music lovers.
Music is a universal language anybody can understand. Herbie is opening doors here. As if freed of boundaries, he is floating onto a cloud of notes - and he takes you with him!
His music, his playing the keys, it is a pure delight to the ears, your heart - and your imagination. This man is so creative with the instrument, ahh, what can I say, just get it!
I bought it the moment it came out as a Japanese pressing, but when I noticed they reissued it with a few extra takes I bought it again, to have on the side if ever I need a gift for someone dear.
Guess what, I ordered another one. The gift is still here, waiting for the right moment, but I wanted the extra takes for myself. They're that good!
Put it into your player and for a moment forget about the world. There is just sound, the sound of music, of Sonrisa (my favorite).
The Piano
It lends itself to a mood for total relaxation. The Piano This is an older CD of Herbie Hancock playing solo piano. I fell in love with it the first time I heard it and I have also recommended it to friends of mine. Since purchasing this CD I have also purchased Herbie Hancock's latest release, "River: The Joni Letters".
Alone
'the idea man'. The great post-bop pianist provides us here with the special honor of hearing him play ALONE. Herbie contributes some nice originals. 'Harvest'shows great pathos,and has a very reflective spirit about it. His 'signature' touch is unmistakable. Herbie let's it all out on 'Manhattan'. A great line player,with a beautiful approach in the application of harmonic textures,he throws your ear some great ideas on this piece. There really is something to be said about the aura of RUBATO,free will, with no metrical restrictions!. Herbie is well noted to imply two time signatures at once. A good example can be heard on 'Someday My Prince Will Come'. Why not another album like this!Someday maybe he'll cut a solo album of standards,wouldn't that be nice.
Happy Holidays.
Hancock's Timeless Piano Gem
Still, the man is one of those rare musicians and composers who has shaped contemporary music. The recognition of Herbie Hancock has already reached the appropriate levels of praise, so adding to it would be possibly repeating what you've already heard or read. To think anything less would be insufficient, unjust, even petty. Whether you've loved every turn of his musical career, or had troubles with one or another phase of evolution of his boundless imagination and sense of adventure, Hancock remains a national treasure.
This collection, previously unavailable unless you own a copy of the limited edition Japanese album when it came out in 1978, is Hancock as a pianist at his astonishing best. Particularly in the first three tunes--"My Funny Valentine," "On Green Dolphin Street" and "Someday My Prince Will Come--his playing is reminiscent of his great with Miles' quintet, subtle, deep and always flawless.
The rest of the original material is just as beautiful. Rarely a pianist can match virtuosity with deep feeling as Herbie manages to in this album. "Harvest Time" and "Sonrisa" make that point gloriously. In addition to the original album's recordings, we are treated to alternate takes of the first four songs already mentioned, and they are worthy of their inclusion. For a change "alternate" is not a synonym for "throwaway. "
This is Hancock for big fans and lovers of the piano alike. This an intimate series of moments with a master of his instrument and craft. A treat, really, the gift of true art.
You can see a complete list of all Herbie Hancock discography, or go back to the Herbie Hancock tabs
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