What makes Sextant by Herbie Hancock notable?

Sextant is notable for its experimental approach, showcasing Hancock's pioneering use of synthesizers in jazz. The album received critical acclaim, cementing Hancock's reputation as a forward-thinking artist and influencing many musicians within the emerging jazz fusion scene. Released in 1973, Sextant marked Herbie Hancock's transition into the realm of jazz fusion and electronic music, following his groundbreaking work on Head Hunters. At this point in his career, Hancock was actively exploring innovative sounds and concepts, seeking to redefine jazz through the integration of technology and funk rhythms.

How many songs are on Sextant?

Sextant has 3 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Sextant

Herbie Hancock · 1973

39 min · 3 tracks · classical music

A bold fusion of electronic textures and jazz improvisation, creating an experimental landscape that challenges traditional boundaries.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Rain Dance — This track features intricate rhythmic patterns and an expansive structure that embodies the album's blend of electronic and acoustic elements. Its dynamic interplay showcases Hancock's innovative approach to composition during this period.
→
Hidden Shadows — With its layered textures and improvisational spirit, this piece exemplifies Hancock's ability to fuse complex harmonies with a fluid sense of space. It stands out as a pivotal exploration of sound manipulation.
→
Hornets — The longest track on the album, Hornets dives deep into extended improvisations and rhythmically adventurous passages, making it a key representation of Hancock’s creative vision at this stage in his career.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

79 /100

Summit

Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Sextant showcases innovative electronic textures and jazz fusion, marking a significant evolution in Hancock's sound.

What we noticed

The album features extended compositions, with each track exceeding seven minutes, allowing for deep improvisational exploration.
Synthesizers dominate the sound palette, creating a textured landscape that shifts throughout the tracks.
Each piece transitions smoothly into the next, maintaining a cohesive flow despite the varied musical ideas presented.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 9/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 9/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 8/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Showcases a shift to electronic sounds, pushing jazz boundaries and diverging from earlier works.
Themes: cosmic soundscapes· synthesizer experimentation· avant-garde jazz fusion
Moods: Dark· Intense
Career context: Released in 1973, Sextant marked Herbie Hancock's transition into the realm of jazz fusion and electronic music, following his groundbreaking work on Head Hunters. At this point in his career, Hancock was actively exploring innovative sounds and concepts, seeking to redefine jazz through the integration of technology and funk rhythms.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis