The Essential Herbie Hancock cover

The Essential Herbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock · 2006

140 min · 20 tracks · classical · funk · jazz fusion

A vibrant fusion of jazz, funk, and electronic elements that showcases Hancock's innovative virtuosity.

Why this album works

This album is significant for its role in introducing a new generation to Hancock's influential music, featuring tracks that have become staples in jazz and beyond. It received critical acclaim and contributed to Hancock winning the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016, solidifying his legacy within both the jazz and popular music landscapes.
Career context
Released in 2006, 'The Essential Herbie Hancock' serves as a comprehensive retrospective of Hancock's prolific career, spanning from his 1962 debut to contemporary works. By this time, he had already established himself as a pioneer in jazz fusion and electronic music, particularly following the success of groundbreaking albums like 'Head Hunters' and 'Future Shock'. This collection encapsulates the evolution of his sound across various genres.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Watermelon Man Standout 7:11
  • 2 'Round Midnight Standout 4:05
  • 3 Cantaloupe Island 5:33
  • 4 Maiden Voyage 7:56
  • 5 Circle 5:54
  • 6 The Sorcerer 5:37
  • 7 Tell Me a Bedtime Story 5:04
  • 8 Hidden Shadows 10:15
  • 9 Chameleon Standout 15:40
  • 10 Joanna's Theme 4:43

Disc 2

  • 1 Butterfly 11:18
  • 2 People Music 7:09
  • 3 Milestones 6:39
  • 4 4 A.M. 5:23
  • 5 Come Running to Me 8:25
  • 6 Finger Painting 6:45
  • 7 Stars in Your Eyes 7:05
  • 8 Rockit 5:27
  • 9 St. Louis Blues 5:51
  • 10 Manhattan 4:04

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata