Herbie Hancock best recordings


Hey HH fans, I'm looking for his best recordings and in particular if there is a worthwhile best of that qualifies as excellent. I'm looking for a somewhat wide soundstage in a fairly intimate live setting - not really any studio stuff unless it's incredibly well done which wouldn't surprise me.

Educate me on the topic of Herbie if you feel so inclined. I've been a fan of his for 35 years, but have sworn off throwing $$ at great recordings and audio equipment until now. Would love to fill my apt with his excellent sounds.

No need to contribute mentions of other artists unless HH is involved. I already have great recordings of many others.

Thanks!!
HJ
hazyj

Showing 2 responses by frogman

****Educate me on the topic of Herbie if you feel so inclined****

Well, one of the few artists who merits owning every single recording that he has done. Possible to document the evolution of jazz and all it's peripheral influences on other genres from the '60s to the present. One could argue about stylistic issues, but not a single bad recording that I can think of in his discography.

****I'm looking for a somewhat wide soundstage in a fairly intimate live setting****

Easy! Not sure what you consider intimate, but for a live recording it's got to be "V.S.O.P." Three different periods and bands in his stylistic evolution are represented; but, the band that is essentially Miles' Quintet (with Freddie Hubbard "as Miles") that is the highlight. Great record.

If owning all of his records is not an option, ones that I would definitely make sure I have:

As a leader:

"Maiden Voyage", "Speak Like A Child", "Head Hunters", "Gershwin's
World"

As sideman:

Anything with Miles
Wayne Shorter "Speak No Evil", "Adam's Apple", "Native Dancer"
Hank Mobley "The Turnaround"
Milton Nascimento "Milton's"
Joni Mitchell "Mingus"
Jack DeJohnette "Parallel Realities"
Michael Brecker "Pilgrimage"