Search - Herbie Hancock :: Takin' Off

Takin' Off
Herbie Hancock
Takin' Off
Genres: Jazz, R&B
 
  •  Track Listings (6) - Disc #1

Japanese limited edition 24-bit remastered reissue of the jazz keyboardist's 1962 album. Blue Note. 2004.

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Herbie Hancock
Title: Takin' Off
Members Wishing: 6
Total Copies: 0
Label: Blue Note
Release Date: 8/30/2004
Album Type: Import, Original recording remastered
Genres: Jazz, R&B
Styles: Jazz Fusion, Modern Postbebop, Bebop, Funk
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1

Synopsis

Album Description
Japanese limited edition 24-bit remastered reissue of the jazz keyboardist's 1962 album. Blue Note. 2004.

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CD Reviews

A very good debut
finulanu | Here, there, and everywhere | 03/25/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)

"While not quite a classic, Herbie's debut is still solid post-bop, even though there were better albums on the way. The bluesy, laid-back "Watermelon Man" has since become a jazz standard, and it's an unforgettable composition, though I think the Headhunters version is a little bit better myself. Most the rest of the album is in the same vein, but it's a good vein to be in, and besides, Herbie gets some solid compositions riding that groove - "Three Bags Full", "Empty Pockets", and "Driftin'" aren't groundbreaking, but they're plenty solid. "The Maze" is the record's other huge high point, an unforgettably eccentric melody, great post-bop groove, and a top-notch trumpet solo. The lone ballad, "Alone and I", is beautifully desolate. And Herbie knows exactly what he's doing here, never overstepping his bounds and taking things into experimental territory. It's good because it makes the record a ton more competent, but it also works against the record in a way, because my favorite Hancock album (Empyrean Isles) is incredibly experimental itself. Still, you can't blame a guy for playing it straight on his first record, and besides, Herbie does a good job of it. Later Hancock albums may overshadow it, but you shouldn't overlook Takin' Off just because of that."
Pure Gold
Wendy Fortunato | Wynnewood, PA United States | 03/24/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album is pure gold. Dexter Gordon and Freddie Hubbard take some of the most melodic and beautiful solos in the history of recorded jazz- not to mention Herbie's solos, where he introduces the left hand as a significant tool for improvisation (with the exception of a few, i.e. Art Tatum, Bud Powell, the left hand served more of a straight comping role, where as herbie develops his rhythmic technique to bring jazz piano to a whole new level). Listen to the solos on Driftin and Maze. Sheer genius. If you haven't heard this album, purchase it immediately. It is a must-hear for anyone even remotely interested in jazz."
Herbie Takes Off
Jack Baker | LeRoy,IL | 03/18/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Takin' Off was Herbie Hancock's first album as a leader, having served as pianist for five previously released sessions with trumpeter Donald Byrd. All six memorable pieces on this album were composed by Hancock. His cohorts on the session are Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Dexter Gordon (tenor sax), Butch Warren (bass), and Billy Higgins (drums). All the players brought their A-game to the studio, inspired no doubt by the material presented to them. It's hard to believe this was Hancock's first go round as leader, as the songs are all confident and challenging.



"Watermelon Man" is an exuberant romp given vivid life by the horns of Gordon and Hubbard, as well as the rollicking piano of Hancock. "Three Bags Full" and "Empty Pockets" are strong pieces as well. "The Maze" is a brilliant piece of music, mysterious, foreshadowing the direction Hancock would turn on later releases like Empyrean Isles. "Driftin'" is in the same mode as "Watermelon Man", only mellower. Hubbard is strong here, eschewing the trumpet for a flugelhorn, which better suits the mood of the piece. The album proper closes with "Alone and I", an emotional ballad. The RVG Edition also contains alternate takes of "Watermelon Man", "Three Bags Full", and "Empty Pockets". As per usual, the remastered sound is excellent. This is a stellar entry from an artist on his way to becoming a jazz icon.

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