Record Reviews

HERBIE HANCOCK ~ MWANDISHI WARNER BROS. 47541 (Barcode: 093624754121) ~ USA ~ Jazz-Rock Fusion Recorded: 1971 Released: 2001 Following his departure from the Miles DavisFind albums by this artist quintet, Herbie HancockFind albums by this artist established his own sextet, which would serve as his musical vehicle in the next step of his explorations. The sextet included 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. Hancock recorded three revolutionary and visionary albums with this group, before changing his chameleon-like path again, this time into funk. These three albums were MwandishiFind albums with this title and CrossingsFind albums with this title released on Warner Bros.Find albums on this label and his ColumbiaFind albums on this label debut SextantFind albums by this artist. The extraordinary music present on these albums is the next step in the future of Jazz, the creation of a multi-genre Fusion, which “genetically spliced” Jazz with Rock, Funk and World Music, creating a new musical universe. In fact one should see these recordings in the right perspective, comparing it to the music Miles Davis was creating (from Bitches BrewFind albums with this title onward) and his disciples: John McLaughlinFind albums by this artist with Mahavishnu OrchestraFind albums by this artist, Joe ZawinulFind albums by this artist and Wayne ShorterFind albums by this artist with Weather ReportFind albums by this artist and Herbie Hancock with his sextet. All this music (created roughly at the same time) falls beautifully into place supplementing the big picture. Of course one should always credit it as much to its wonderfully talented creators as to their Mentor Miles Davis. The music on Mwandishi is beautifully atmospheric. The unusually (for Jazz) long tracks (one over 21 minutes and the two others over 10 minutes long) leave plenty of space for group improvisation and generous solo space for all the musicians. Hancock sticks to the electric piano, by now mastering the instrument to perfection. He composed two of the tracks and Priester the remaining one. A few guest musicians, including SantanaFind albums by this artist’s percussionist Jose AreasFind albums by this artist and drummer Leon ChanclerFind albums by this artist contribute their input. This music can be heard time after time, revealing new emotions and hidden treasures every time. An essential classic!

CD 1 Digipak Remastered Essential Recommend To A Friend