Jazz Profile Review

07/13/2005 6:52 AM, AMG


This is a most unusual sampler of Herbie Hancock's Blue Note years, for rather than concentrating on his hits (only "Cantaloupe Island" among the seven numbers qualifies), the CD just gives one an almost random glimpse at Hancock's early work. Each of the selections is from a different album, ranging from the hard bop of "Empty Pockets" (with tenor great Dexter Gordon and trumpeter Freddie Hubbard) to "Eye of the Hurricane," a trio rendition of "The Sorcerer" and the lengthy "I Have a Dream," which is played by an early version of Hancock's late-'60s sextet. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide