Broadcast on 12-Apr-2010

This album is one of Herbie Hancock's masterpieces and we are featuring this stunning recording to honour one of the most significant musicians of our time: Herbert Jeffery Hancock who was born 70 years ago on this day (April 12) 1940 in Chicago. A child prodigy, Hancock was destined for musical fame from a very early age when he played with the Chicago Symphony orchestra. He was 11 years old!! Hancock was brought to New York by trumpeter Donald Byrd in 1960 and it wasn't long before he signed with Blue Note Records and began a whole series of significant recordings all of which are essential in any Jazz collection. Hancock, in 1963, began a five year stint with Miles Davis which further enhanced his name and influence. "Maiden Voyage" was recorded in March of 1965. The band wasn't a working band but Hancock's mates all were thinking on the same high plain. Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard is stunning here and blends so well with tenor saxophonist George Coleman that they think as one. Ron Carter is on bass and the young Tony Williams, still called 'Anthony' in those days are an incredible rhythm section, swinging and laying a great pulse for the music. Hancock wrote all of the tunes and two have become classics: the title track, "Maiden Voyage" and "Dolphin Dance" are Jazz standards that have been played and recorded by dozens of musicians. This album is the centerpiece of Herbie Hancock's output for Blue Note Records. Hancock is a vital and productive musician today, still creating and performing at a very high level. Today he is a healthy 70 with many more high energy years left. Happy Birthday Mr. Hancock!!!