Introduction
"The New Standard" is a jazz album by Herbie Hancock released in 1996, including a star-studded lineup of artists and reimagining popular modern tunes composed between the 1960s and the 1990s. The album's title describes the fresher technique taken by Hancock in arranging these songs, providing a jazz interpretation and showcasing his prodigious skills as a pianist, arranger, and band leader.
Background
Herbie Hancock, one of the best jazz pianists and authors, began his profession in the 1960s as a member of the iconic Miles Davis Quintet. He then formed his own groups, the Headhunters and VSOP, and took pleasure in an effective solo profession that has covered over five decades. Hancock is renowned for his ingenious work in various genres, consisting of jazz, funk, and electronic music. In this album, he takes on popular songs from different categories, such as pop, rock, and R&B, and instills them with his distinct jazz design.
Track Listing and Composition
"The New Standard" features 12 tunes, consisting of tracks by artists like Peter Gabriel, Nirvana, Prince, and The Beatles. Here is the total track listing:
1. New York Minute (Don Henley, 1989).
2. Mercy Street (Peter Gabriel, 1986).
3. Norwegian Wood (The Beatles, 1965).
4. When Can I See You (Babyface, 1993).
5. You've Got It Bad, Girl (Stevie Wonder, 1972).
6. Love Is Stronger Than Pride (Sade, 1988).
7. Scarborough Fair (Simon & Garfunkel, 1966).
8. Thieves In The Temple (Prince, 1990).
9. All Apologies (Nirvana, 1993).
10. Manhattan (Rodgers & Hart, 1925).
11. Your Gold Teeth II (Steely Dan, 1975).
12. My Ship (Ira Gershwin & Kurt Weill, 1941).
As evident from the track listing, the album includes a varied selection of tunes, going beyond numerous eras and styles. Hancock's genius depends on deconstructing these popular tunes and reassembling them with aspects of jazz improvisation, producing a special listening experience.
Personnel and Collaborators
Herbie Hancock assembled a skilled ensemble of artists to collaborate on "The New Standard". The lineup includes:.
1. Herbie Hancock - Piano.
2. Michael Brecker - Tenor and Soprano Saxophone.
3. John Scofield - Acoustic and Electric Guitar.
4. Dave Holland - Acoustic Bass.
5. Jack DeJohnette - Drums.
6. Don Alias - Percussion.
The stellar musicianship of these artists, along with their chemistry, is immediately apparent in every efficiency on the album, making it a sonic treat for jazz lovers.
Critical Reception
"The New Standard" got extensive vital acclaim from music critics and jazz fanatics. The album's ingenious reinterpretation of popular tunes as jazz requirements demonstrated Hancock's versatility as a pianist and composer, his unique ability in blending different musical styles, and his ability to draw from a wide variety of influences. The album features a myriad of designs, state of minds, and textures that display the remarkable musicianship of Hancock and his supporting cast.
Conclusion
Herbie Hancock's "The New Standard" is an outstanding display of his unique jazz style, imaginative reinterpretations of pop music, and his unequaled workmanship as a pianist, arranger, and bandleader. The album functions as a compelling reminder of the power of jazz to change music and redefine categories. For any fan of jazz, "The New Standard" promises to be a fascinating and wonderful listen, with a blend of nostalgia and classic jazz expression.
Artist: Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock, pianist, composer, and bandleader. Uncover his biography, quotes, discography, and five-decade career.
More about Herbie Hancock
