In
1963, when still in his early
twenties, pianist Herbie Hancock
was invited to join a newly formed
Miles Davis group – it became
one of the most influential jazz
groups of the decade. On this
compilation we have two excellent
tracks from that era ‘Little One’
from ESP (1967) and ‘Circle’ released
originally on Miles Smiles (1967).
It is often claimed that ESP is
the best album of the period closely
followed by Miles Smiles. Both
were recorded when Cannonball
Adderley, John Coltrane and Dave
Holland made regular appearances
with Miles. Hancock wasn’t the
only pianist Miles used, Chick
Corea, Red Garland, Wynton Kelly
and Bill Evans were also employed
at times.
After
leaving Miles in 1968 Hancock
divided his attention between
playing acoustic piano and electronic
keyboard. This CD concentrates
on his acoustic material both
as a sideman and leader. In 1986
he won an Oscar for his contribution
to the score of the accredited
film ‘’Round Midnight.’ There
are three tracks from an album
issued under that name - ‘Minuit
Aux Champs Elysèes,’ ‘’Round
Midnight’ and ‘Chan’s Song.’ Other
tracks are taken from ‘The Piano’
(1979) and Hancock’s trio and
quartet releases of the 70s and
80s.
‘Green
Dolphin Street’ is taken at a
slow tempo and throughout Hancock
explores its structure in a ‘classical’
yet very satisfactory manner –
the same goes for ‘Some Day My
Prince Will Come’ and ‘My Funny
Valentine.’
This
small, but welcome release, barely
highlights why Herbie Hancock’s
keyboard touch is so renowned.
Over the years subsequent releases
have reasserted his inventive
genius thus making his mark on
the tunes of some of today’s popular
composers - often backed by such
dynamic names as Michael Brecker
and Wayne Shorter to name but
two of an ever-increasing list.
Jack
Ashby
CD Reviews
Sony
Music COL516427-2/516427200
