Herbie Hancock

United States

"Hancock's music embodies a rhythmic interplay between intricate phrasing and spacious grooves, creating a compelling tension that propels the listener forward."

Quick Start

A good place to start with Herbie Hancock is…

Takin' Off

1962

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Career Arc

Herbie Hancock's discography from 1962 to 2010

1962 1986 2010

Takin' Off (1962) My Point of View (1963) Empyrean Isles (1964) Inventions and Dimensions (1964) Maiden Voyage (1965) Blow-Up (1967) Speak Like a Child (1968) The Prisoner (1969) Fat Albert Rotunda (1970) Mwandishi (1971) Crossings (1972) Head Hunters (1973) Sextant (1973) Death Wish (1974) Thrust (1974) Dedication (1974) Man-Child (1975) Flood (1975) Secrets (1976) Herbie Hancock Trio (1977)

Herbie Hancock reshaped the landscape of modern jazz, bringing an innovative spirit that resonated beyond traditional boundaries.

Herbie Hancock reshaped the landscape of modern jazz, bringing an innovative spirit that resonated beyond traditional boundaries. His ability to fuse complex harmonies with infectious grooves not only captivated audiences but also opened doors for countless musicians to explore new sonic territories. By bridging various styles, he played a crucial role in making jazz more accessible and relevant to contemporary listeners. Employing a distinctive blend of acoustic and electronic sounds, Hancock's approach often involves deep exploration of rhythm and texture. He seamlessly integrates elements from classical music with the improvisational essence of bebop, creating compositions that challenge listeners while maintaining engaging melodies. This innovative use of technology in his music set a precedent for future generations of artists, influencing genres far beyond jazz. Lyrically, Hancock tends to focus on themes of unity, exploration, and the human experience, frequently incorporating a sense of storytelling that invites reflection. His voice carries both sincerity and playfulness, often employing irony as he weaves intricate narratives through sound rather than words. This combination allows for an emotional depth that resonates long after the music has ended.

Full discography

Herbie Hancock's albums in order, from earliest releases to latest.

55 releases • 54 albums • 1962–2010

Type:

Albums ()

The Imagine Project

2010

River: The Joni Letters

2007

The Essential Herbie Hancock

2006

Possibilities

2005

Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall

2002

Jazz Is a Spirit

2002

Future2Future

2001

Gershwin's World

1998

1 + 1

1997

The New Standard

1996

Dis Is da Drum

1995

Cantaloupe Island

1994

Perfect Machine

1988

Round Midnight

1986

Village Life

1985

Sound-System

1983

Future Shock

1983

Lite Me Up

1982

Quartet

1982

Herbie Hancock Trio

1982

Magic Windows

1981

Mr. Hands

1980

Monster

1980

Butterfly

1979

Feets, Don't Fail Me Now

1979

Directstep

1979

The Piano

1979

Sunlight

1978

An Evening with Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea: In Concert

1978

Herbie Hancock Trio

1977

Secrets

1976

Man-Child

1975

Death Wish

1974

Thrust

1974

Dedication

1974

Head Hunters

1973

Sextant

1973

Crossings

1972

Mwandishi

1971

Fat Albert Rotunda

1970

VSOP

1977

Flood

1975

Jazz Africa

The Quintet (album)

VSOP: Tempest in the Colosseum

The Herbie Hancock Quartet Live

The Prisoner

1969

Speak Like a Child

1968

Blow-Up

1967

Maiden Voyage

1965

Empyrean Isles

1964

Inventions and Dimensions

1964

My Point of View

1963

Takin' Off

1962

Singles ()

Rockit

1983

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Timeline

How their sound evolved over time

Takin' Off (1962)

My Point of View (1963)

Inventions and Dimen... (1964)

Empyrean Isles (1964)

Maiden Voyage (1965)

Blow-Up (1967)

Speak Like a Child (1968)

The Prisoner (1969)

Fat Albert Rotunda (1970)

Herbie Hancock Trio (1977)

VSOP (1977)

Sunlight (1978)

An Evening with Herbie Hancock & Chick Corea: In Concert

An Evening with Herb... (1978)

Butterfly (1979)

Feets, Don't Fail Me... (1979)

Herbie Hancock Trio (1982)

Round Midnight (1986)

Perfect Machine (1988)

Cantaloupe Island (1994)

Dis Is da Drum (1995)

The New Standard (1996)

1 + 1 (1997)

Gershwin's World (1998)

Future2Future (2001)

Directions in Music: Live at Massey Hall

Directions in Music:... (2002)

Jazz Is a Spirit (2002)

Possibilities (2005)

The Essential Herbie... (2006)

River: The Joni Lett... (2007)

The Imagine Project (2010)

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Herbie Hancock sound like?

Hancock's music embodies a rhythmic interplay between intricate phrasing and spacious grooves, creating a compelling tension that propels the listener forward. Rooted in classical and funk. Start with Head Hunters.

What is the best Herbie Hancock album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Head Hunters" (1973). It's the most representative of what makes Herbie Hancock worth hearing.

Who is Herbie Hancock for?

If you're into classical and funk, Herbie Hancock is worth your time. Hancock's music embodies a rhythmic interplay between intricate phrasing and spacious grooves, creating a compelling tension that propels the listener forward.

How many albums does Herbie Hancock have?

Herbie Hancock has 55 releases in their discography, including 54 albums.

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