Record Reviews

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ COSMIC JAMMIN AT THE SHOP FAT ALBERTS BAG 009 (Barcode: 5942010130191) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1973 Released: 2022 This is an archival live album by American Jazz pianist / composer / bandleader Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist, recorded with his “Mwandishi” sextet, which included trumpeter Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist, reedman Bennie MaupinFind albums by this artist, trombonist Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist, bassist Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist and drummer Billy HartFind albums by this artist, here expanded to an octet with the addition of synthesizer player Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist and a congas player. The album presents just two lengthy tracks, lasting forty-three and twenty minutes respectively. The music was recorded at the legendary Jazz Workshop in Boston, MA on March 22nd, 1973 and broadcasted on the radio, which means that the sound quality is not perfect, but definitely acceptable. The music is typical of the three albums the “Mwandishi” sextet recorded in the early 1970s, which amalgamated Jazz, Fusion, Funk and stayed with the same lineup for quite a while, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album offers long atmospheric compositions, which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed all the music for this group and included in the recording the electronic music pioneer Patrick Gleason, who plays the Moog synthesizer. The music continues the direction pioneered by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with modal compositions and usage of electric instruments, but is spiced it with the addition of African rhythms and funk (to be expanded in the next edition of his group and the recording of the legendary “Head HuntersFind albums with this title” album), creating a highly expressionist soundscapes of rare beauty. Visionary music and another essential classic! Overall, this is a piece of American Jazz history, which documents some of its key figures at the period when the Fusion was developing rapidly and offers superb soloing by these musicians under the wings of the experienced leader.

Updated: 02/11/2026Posted: 02/11/2026

CD 1 Digipak Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ CROSSINGS WARNER BROS. 47542 (Barcode: 093624754220) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 2001 CrossingsFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s last album for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and the 2nd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and continued with SextantFind albums with this title after Hancock switched labels to ColumbiaFind albums on this label. The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessor, with long (this time the longest track is almost 25 minutes long) atmospheric compositions which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed the central piece and Maupin the two additional tunes. Hancock, who was always extremely aware of the latest developments on the music scene as well as open-minded, invited the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist to play the Moog synthesizer on this album, which added a new dimension to the music, which sounds even more contemplative and spiritual. The resulting sound vistas are truly amazing. This is visionary music in every respect, touching the listener on every plane of awareness – esthetic, emotional and intellectual. Another essential classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ SEXTANT COLUMBIA 64983 (Barcode: 5099706498322) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1972 Released: 1998 SextantFind albums with this title was Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist’s debut album for ColumbiaFind albums on this label (an association that would last for three decades) and the 3rd part of his sextet album trilogy, which started with MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title recorded for Warner Bros.Find albums on this label The sextet’s lineup (Eddie HendersonFind albums by this artist on trumpet, Benny MaupinFind albums by this artist on bass clarinet and flute, Julian PriesterFind albums by this artist on trombone, Buster WilliamsFind albums by this artist on bass and Billy HartFind albums by this artist on drums) remained steady for all three albums, which of course contributed to the phenomenal level of interplay they were able to achieve. Musically the album continues the path set by its predecessors, with long atmospheric compositions, which allow a lot of space for collective and individual improvisations. Hancock composed all the music on this album and again included in the recording the electronic music pioneer Patrick GleasonFind albums by this artist, who plays the Moog synthesizer. The music continues the direction pioneered by Miles DavisFind albums by this artist, with modal compositions and usage of electric instruments, but is spiced it with the addition of African rhythms and funk (to be expanded in the next edition of his group and the recording of the legendary Head HuntersFind albums with this title album), creating a highly expressionist soundscapes of rare beauty. Visionary music and another essential classic!

CD 1 Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend