Tue 11/4 @ 7:30PM
Jazz pianist/composer Herbie Hancock, now 85 years old, has had a sensational career and it’s not over yet. Born in Chicago where he spent most of his formative years and got a classical music education before discovering jazz, he graduated from college at 20 and moved to Manhattan where he recorded his first solo album at the age of 22. It caught the ear of master trumpet player Miles Davis who drafted Hancock his legendary 1960s lineup. Simultaneously he was recording solo albums and working as a sideman for other ensembles. By the late 60s, electronic instruments and R&B/funk influences were a key part of his repertoire, leading to his 1973 smash album Head Hunters and eventually a huge pop hit with 1983’s “Rockit.” He’s written countless film scores, recorded dozens more albums, played with hundreds of musicians, won 14 Grammys, and served as an educator for following generations. He’s working on a new album right now.
But first, he’ll be performing at Severance Music Center with a quintet featuring Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Genus on bass, Jaylen Petinaud on drums (who at 27 is less than a third Hancock’s age), and Lionel Loueke on guitar and vocals. Go here for tickets.