Album: The Piano

Overview
"The Piano" is a solo piano album by American jazz pianist and author Herbie Hancock, launched in September 1979 under the Japanese label CBS Sony. This release significant Hancock's very first solo piano album and was produced by the accomplished artist himself in partnership with David Rubinson. The album was initially released exclusively in Japan, showing Hancock's tremendous appeal in the nation and his propensity to release special works for his cherished Japanese audience. It was only later on reissued in the United States as part of the box set "The Complete Columbia Albums Collection" in 2013.

Influences and Musical Style
Herbie Hancock is renowned for his flexibility, and "The Piano" reveals yet another aspect of the prolific artist's musical abilities; as a solo pianist. Known mostly for his contributions to jazz blend and electronic music, "The Piano" offers the listener with a more intimate experience, allowing them to take an uninhibited dive into Hancock's profound artistry and raw talent as a prominent pianist.

Drawing motivation from numerous piano masters such as Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, and Thelonious Monk, the album exhibits Hancock's appreciation for their methods and distinct analysis of jazz idioms. The thoroughly chosen songs included in "The Piano" display Hancock's special ability to combine aspects of bebop, modal jazz, and post-bop designs while likewise including his ingenious touch to each composition.

The album features 8 tracks, consisting of four originals penned by Hancock himself, and other standard jazz pieces he had currently carried out before but he chose to re-interpret with a distinct vision.

Track Details and Analysis
"The Piano" opens with Hancock's performance of "My Funny Valentine", a popular jazz basic made up by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart that had already been dealt with by numerous other artists. Hancock handles to provide a revitalizing take on the tune, defined by his lyricism and unique harmonic method.

The subsequent track, "On Green Dolphin Street", brings a bright and perky tempo, showcasing his deft method and exceptional use of dynamics. It is followed by the solemn "Some Day My Prince Will Come", in which Hancock provides a heartfelt and reflective performance filled with melodic expressiveness.

In his own compositions, it deserves discussing "Harvest Time", an expressive, richly textured piece, where Hancock weaves complex layers of melody and consistency, developing a beautiful soundscape that mirrors the charm and simpleness of nature. Also, "Sonrisa", a poignant modal piece, stands apart for its lyrical flourish and breathy quality that beautifully contributes to the total contemplative environment of the album.

"Manhattan Island", another original composition, offers a classy impression of the busy New York City, including a wonderful juxtaposition of intense rhythms and delicate passages.

Legacy and Reception
While "The Piano" strays from Herbie Hancock's more popular endeavors into the realms of jazz blend and electronic music, this album serves to advise listeners of his remarkable talents as a thoughtful and articulate pianist. Although it did not receive the very same level of industrial success and recognition as some of his other works, it is nevertheless an important milestone in Hancock's profession, exposing his exceptional range as a musician, his artistry as a composer, and the subtlety with which he explores and interprets standard jazz material.

To this day, "The Piano" remains a deeply individual and expression-driven work that showcases Herbie Hancock's profound love for the art of piano playing and can be appreciated by both jazz connoisseurs and casual music fans alike.