Pianist/composer Herbie Hancock: "Empyrean Isles"

CiTR -- The Jazz Show

Tonight's Jazz Feature is by one of the most well known musicians in the world: pianist/composer/leader: Herbie Hancock. This wonderful album was done in the mid-60's when Herbie was a member of Miles Davis' Quintet. Hancock had signed with Blue Note Records and made many appearances as a sideman and had already recorded 3 albums under his name. He is perhaps best known for his 5th album "Maiden Voyage" but this date, his 4th is a gem. It's called "Empyrean Isles " and features a stellar quartet with the incomparable Freddie Hubbard on cornet (a smaller, sharper sounding trumpet), Ron Carter on bass and the unique Tony Williams on drums. There are only four compositions on the album but they reflect Hancock's range of moods from the sexy, funky opener ("Cantaloupe Island") to the more outer reaching ("The Egg"). Two other tunes reflect Hancock's creativity, "One Finger Snap" and "Oliloqui Valley". Enjoy the musical adventure with "Empyrean Isles"...tonight's Jazz Feature.