Takin' Off

by Herbie Hancock

Overview

Herbie Hancock's debut as a leader, Takin' Off, revealed a composer and pianist able to balance sophistication and accessibility, somewhat in the vein of Blue Note's prototype hard bopper Horace Silver. Yet while Hancock could be just as funky and blues-rooted as Silver, their overall styles diverged in several ways: Hancock was lighter and more cerebral, a bit more adventurous in his harmonies, and more apt to break his solos out of a groove (instead of using them to create one). So even if, in retrospect, Takin' Off is among Hancock's most conventional albums, it shows a young stylist already strikingly mature for his age, and one who can interpret established forms with spirit and imagination. Case in point: the simple, catchy "Watermelon Man," which became a Hancock signature tune and a jazz standard in the wake of a hit cover by Latin jazz star Mongo Santamaria. Hancock's original version is classic Blue Note hard bop: spare, funky piano riffing and tight, focused solo statements. The other compositions are memorable and well-constructed too (if not quite hit material); all have their moments, but particular highlights include the ruminative ballad "Alone and I," the minor-key "The Maze" (which features a little bit of free improvisation in the rhythm section), and the bluesy "Empty Pockets." The backing group includes then up-and-coming trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Billy Higgins. All in all, Takin' Off is an exceptional first effort, laying the groundwork for Hancock to begin pushing the boundaries of hard bop on his next several records. ~ Steve Huey

Product Details

Release Date:	05/10/2019
Label:	Blue Note
UPC:	0602577423994
Rank:	7175

Tracks

1. Watermelon Man
2. Three Bags Full
3. Empty Pockets
4. The Maze
5. Driftin'
6. Alone and I

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Herbie Hancock   Primary Artist,Piano
Butch Warren   Guitar (Bass),Bass
Billy Higgins   Guest Artist,Drums
Freddie Hubbard   Guest Artist,Trumpet,Flugelhorn
Dexter Gordon   Guest Artist,Sax (Tenor)

Technical Credits

Alfred Lion   Audio Production,Producer
Bob Blumenthal   Liner Notes
Francis Wolff   Photography
Leonard Feather   Liner Notes
Jon Hendricks   Composer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer,Remastering,Digital Remastering
Michael Cuscuna   Reissue Producer
Herbie Hancock   Composer
Reid Miles   Design,Cover Photo,Photography,Cover Design
Amanda Wray   Reissue Design
Gordon H. Jee   Creative Director
John H. Scott   Composer