Introduction
"Takin' Off" is the launching album by American jazz pianist and author Herbie Hancock, launched in May 1962 by Blue Note Records. The album includes Hancock's innovative approach to jazz as he effectively integrated components of post-bop, soul, and hard-bop. It showcases the abilities of a young and very talented artist who would go on to have a famous career spanning over 5 decades.
Lineup and Recording
The album features an excellent lineup of musicians including Herbie Hancock on piano, Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone, Butch Warren on bass, and Billy Higgins on drums. This outstanding ensemble creates a cohesive, energetic, and spirited atmosphere throughout the album.
Tape-recorded by prominent engineer Rudy Van Gelder at his studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, "Takin' Off" showcases the growing synergy between Hancock and other artists who would quickly end up being known as the Blue Note sound.
Structures
"Takin' Off" consists of six original compositions by Hancock, showing his expertise as a composer in addition to his abilities as a pianist. The pieces are characterized by their strong melodic material and advanced harmonic progressions, made richer by the varying designs of each one:
1. Watermelon Man - Probably the most famous track on the album, "Watermelon Man" is a catchy, soulful tune that helped catapult Hancock to fame. This bluesy number is driven by a funky rhythm and has been covered various times by numerous artists, strengthening its status as a jazz classic.
2. Three Bags Full - The 2nd track on the album showcases Hancock's explorative harmonic perceptiveness and complex balanced plans. With its contagious melody and driving tempo, "Three Bags Full" is an exceptional example of the modern jazz noise that emerged in the early 1960s.
3. Empty Pockets - This hard-bop structure includes an interesting saxophone solo by Dexter Gordon and excellent ensemble playing. "Empty Pockets" allows the specific musicians to showcase their talents and push their instruments to the limit while keeping their cohesion as a group.
4. The Maze - A more experimental track, "The Maze" highlights Hancock's capability to create challenging and intricate music that still remains available to listeners. The labyrinthine structure of the piece showcases the virtuosity of each musician while maintaining an overall sense of unity.
5. Driftin' - This mid-tempo ballad showcases Hancock's delicate and lyrical playing, as well as the tender flexibility of the ensemble. The mild interplay of the tune, consistency, and rhythm creates a nostalgic and emotional experience for listeners.
6. Alone and I - The last track on the album supplies a reflective and introspective conclusion. Including a beautiful trumpet solo by Freddie Hubbard, "Alone and I" demonstrates the depth of Hancock's making up skill and his capability to produce delicate and introspective music that resonates with listeners.
Legacy
"Takin' Off" is a considerable turning point in Herbie Hancock's career, marking the start of his long and renowned association with Blue Note Records. The album was a success both critically and commercially, earning Hancock a credibility as an ingenious and influential jazz artist.
For many years, "Takin' Off" has actually remained as one of Hancock's most popular albums and a cornerstone of his discography. It has actually continued to act as a major impact for generations of hopeful jazz pianists and authors, cementing Herbie Hancock's location as a jazz legend and a visionary artist.
Artist: Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock, pianist, composer, and bandleader. Uncover his biography, quotes, discography, and five-decade career.
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