Blue Note Schallplatten & CDs

Review: Blue Note's Classic Vinyl Series turns its focus to the one and only Herbie Hancock here for another superb reissue that will keep the jazz heads happy. His long player Empyrean Isles landed in 1964 as his fourth overall. For this one Hancock linked up with his Miles Davis bandmates including Ron Carter on bass and Tony Williams on drums with Freddie Hubbard also on board with his trusty trumpet. The record works through hard bop and modal as well as plenty of soulful jazz sounds and is another standout in Hancock's discography.

Review: Blue Note's Classic Vinyl series is about reissuing vital jazz records on heavyweight vinyl with all new mastering by Kevin Gray of Coherant Audio. Next to get the special treatment it deserves is Herbie Hancock's 1965 classic Maiden Voyage, which is some of the most evocative jazz to have ever been recorded. Net to Hancock, the players were all either present or past members of Miles Davis' quintet, so made for a heavy line-up. Hancock's impressionistic style is here for all to hear with the sublime compositions of 'Dolphin's Dance' and 'Maiden Voyage' and more tumultuous sounds of 'The Eye Of The Hurricane' some of the highlights.

Review: Speak Like A Child by Herbie Hancock is a groundbreaking album that defies categorization, blending elements of post-bop, modal jazz, and funk into a cohesive and forward-thinking sound only to be slotted into a wide spanning genre like Jazz-Fusion. The title track, 'Speak Like A Child', is a standout composition that highlights Hancock's signature piano playing, characterized by its lyrical melodies and inventive harmonies. The album features intricate arrangements and complex rhythms, with each track offering a unique sonic journey for the listener. Hancock's ability to push the boundaries of traditional jazz while maintaining a deep respect for the genre's roots is clear throughout the album. 'Speak Like A Child' remains a landmark recording in Hancock's discography, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in modern jazz.