Some of the best Herbie Hancock songs were composed in an era of when things were psychedelic and "Groovy". This was the 1960's. In the midst of war and peace protests, some of the greatest music came out of that era which does include Rock'N Roll. This article however will discuss some of the great Herbie
Hancock songs.
Hancock made his debut as professional musician in the early 1960s as a sideman, quickly earning him a good reputation. Blue Note Records noted the talent this man had and signed him to their roster. His first solo album came out in 1962 and it was entitled "Takin Off" which 西瓜卡通 has the legendary hit "Watermelon Man". This is one of my favorite jazz songs. As a young sax player myself, this was one of my first improvisational/play along albums. "Watermelon Man" is still one of the most performed jazz standards. It was Dexter Gordon on tenor sax and Freddie Hubbard on trumpet. What a great combo.
In 1964, Herbie Hancock recorded the album Empyrean Isles which has the classic song "Cantaloupe Island". "Cantaloupe Island" is one of the funkiest acoustic jazz performances of the era and another one of my Favorites for jazz improvisation.
Hancock was playing
By the mid-1960's, Hancock was playing with Miles Davis and Wayne Shorter. Between these three great jazz legends, they helped redefine jazz's mainstream during this era. The key here is they didn't play notes but MUSIC!! In 1965, Hancock recorded probably his finest album of the 1960's called "Maiden Voyage". This album is where Hancock integrated the subdued yet challenging modal harmonics that he picked up from Miles Davis. Some would say that this is where Herbie was at his creative peak. It was Ron Carter on bass, Tony Williams on drums, Freddie Hubbard on Trumpet and 西瓜卡通 George Coleman on tenor sax. This album also has the classic song "Dolphin Dance" which is another one of my favorites.
During this time Hancock began a career as composer for film and television soundtracks. In 1969, Hey! Hey! Hey! It's Fat Albert. Who can forget the loveable Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. This was one of my favorite cartoons growing up. I enjoyed that show and the music. The music for this show came from an album called Fat Albert Rotunda that Herbie Hancock recorded. It was mainly an R&B-album with strong jazz overtones. Hey, Hey, Hey, let's hear Herbie Play!