Herbie Hancock

This is a rather unusual tribute to Herbie Hancock on a couple different levels. There is no piano on the date, so obviously no one is heard trying to sound like Hancock; the intimate all-star trio (bassist Christian McBride, trumpeter Nicholas Payton and guitarist Mark Whitfield) avoids such typical Hancock hits as "Watermelon Man" and "Maiden Voyage," and several of the songs are real obscurities. The 14 Hancock compositions date from 1962-79, with one tune from 1985, so they do not cover his later output. Among the lesser-known tunes are the title track (first played by V.S.O.P.), "Sly" (from the Headhunters LP), and two melodies taken from the 1965 soundtrack of Blow-Up. Several of the songs (most notably "Driftin'") deserve to be revived more widely…

This classic haunting soundtrack by Herbie Hancock for 'Death Wish' featuring Charles Bronson, was originally released in 1974 and is dark and experimental, yet funky. The personnel on the recording included the Head Hunters members and a group of distinguished session musicians. Among them was guitarist Melvin Ragin, also known as Wah Wah Watson. The impressionistic moods and sketches show Hancock as a multi-talented musician, with interests and abilities far beyond the straightjacket of Jazz. Jerry Peters comes up with the best arrangements of his career. Along with Isaac Hayes' 'Shaft', this is one of the 70s' coolest soundtracks.