Is The Piano a good place to start with Herbie Hancock?

Yes, The Piano is recommended as a starting point for new Herbie Hancock listeners. A contemplative exploration of jazz standards, highlighting intricate piano arrangements and emotive interpretations. By the time 'The Piano' was released in 1979, Herbie Hancock had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, following his acclaimed work with the Miles Davis Quintet. This album came after his commercially successful fusion phase with hits like 'Chameleon' and marked a stylistic shift back to acoustic jazz, showcasing his versatility as a musician.

Who is The Piano for?

The Piano works well if you're into intimate moments of reflective beauty, melodic explorations with subtle variations and patient listening for emotional depth.

How many songs are on The Piano?

The Piano has 11 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

The Piano

Herbie Hancock · 1979

52 min · 11 tracks · classical music

A contemplative exploration of jazz standards, highlighting intricate piano arrangements and emotive interpretations.

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Top tracks — play these first

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My Funny Valentine Start here — This rendition captures the emotional depth of the original while showcasing Hancock's delicate touch and improvisational skills, making it a cornerstone of the album.
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On Green Dolphin Street — Hancock's interpretation brings a fresh perspective to this standard, emphasizing lyrical phrasing and intricate harmonies that highlight his prowess as a pianist.
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Harvest Time — With its lush chords and reflective melody, this track illustrates Hancock's ability to blend classical influences within a jazz framework, creating an evocative atmosphere.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intimate moments of reflective beauty
melodic explorations with subtle variations
patient listening for emotional depth
evening relaxation on quiet nights

Maybe skip if you

prefer energetic, fast-paced music
want immediate musical gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album features a unique solo piano format, differing from Hancock's typical jazz fusion style.
Themes: intimate piano reflections· jazz standard reinterpretation· emotive improvisational depth
Career context: By the time 'The Piano' was released in 1979, Herbie Hancock had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, following his acclaimed work with the Miles Davis Quintet. This album came after his commercially successful fusion phase with hits like 'Chameleon' and marked a stylistic shift back to acoustic jazz, showcasing his versatility as a musician.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Weather Report· Miles Davis