Released 20 years ago
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.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic peaks and valleys
- for late-night exploration
- engaging background for creativity
- immersive journey with diverse sounds
- thoughtful listening with intricate details
Maybe skip if you want
- prefer quick, standalone tracks
- seek constant high-energy pacing
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Starting Point — A comprehensive retrospective introducing new listeners to Hancock's influential music.
- Themes
- jazz fusion evolution· synthesizer innovation· urban nightlife grooves
- 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.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis
- If this clicks, go next to
- River: The Joni Letters — Continues Hancock's fusion style with a focus on lyrical storytelling and collaboration.
- Sounds like this from elsewhere
-
The Epic by Kamasi Washington — Shares a vibrant jazz fusion approach with expansive arrangements and modern rhythmic elements.Cosmogramma by Flying Lotus — Combines electronic elements and jazz improvisation, creating an innovative soundscape similar to Hancock's work.Black Radio by Robert Glasper — Blends jazz with contemporary R&B and hip-hop influences, echoing Hancock's genre-defying style.
Tracklist
New here? Start with "Watermelon Man".
Disc 1
- 1 Watermelon Man Start here 7:11
- 2 'Round Midnight 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 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
What to play next
This album is considered a Starting Point in Herbie Hancock's catalog. A comprehensive retrospective introducing new listeners to Hancock's influential music.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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