Herbie Hancock probably best known as a jazz keyboardist and one of Miles Davis's sidemen has released his latest CD entitled Possibilities and it's more like a Musical Event than just another CD. Hancock describes the CD this way: "This is a real collaboration that were doing here. Its all been decided at the session, a record without borders, woven like a tapestry with many colors. The possibilities are endless". Wow! I think he pretty much nailed it. Hancock who through the years has been no stranger to crossing over to the world of popular music may have managed to out do even himself with his latest project. Possibilities is an absolutely outstanding collaboration with a wide and varied cross section of world renowned artists like Sting, John Mayer, Christina Aguilera, Annie Lennox and even Paul Simon. The CD was recorded in studios all over the world face to face with each of the collaborating musicians and has a real international flavor to it. One of the great surprises of the collection is the way each performer gives you something you might not have expected from them. Like the way Christina Aguilera, yes that Christina Aguilera, absolutely sheds her bubblegum roots and cuts loose on Leon Russell's A Song for You, track 3 on the CD, in a way that would make her idol Etta James proud. Awesome offering! Leading me to again realize we are, or do become more like the company we keep. John Mayer also "Brings It" with some outstanding vocal phrasings on track 1 Stitched Up, which, when paired with Hancock's signature jazz funk sound, will remind seasoned listeners of those vintage Steely Dan days. Not to be outdone or left out, Annie Lennox also turns in a very memorable vocal performance with an aching rendition of Paula Cole's Hush Hush Hush, track 5 on the CD, and how about Stevie Wonder himself doing a little harmonica work on I Just Called To Say I Love You featuring Raul Midon, track 9. Even though getting up there in years, Herbie Hancock is clearly still challenging his creative boundaries and transcending categorization. Seemingly, like fine wine, only getting better with age. Oh, and who's ever idea it was to put Johnny Lang and Joss Stone together on track 7, When Love Comes To Town in my humble opinion deserves some sort of genius badge. Truly magnificent. The CD's title alludes to the fact that the possibilities are endless and they most certainly are when you get these "Super Groups" together on collaboration projects. Possibilities has me hoping this is trend that continues. I'm lovin it! It's like a musical high when you get to hear some of the greatest artists in the world perform together in perfect harmony like they're in musical conversations. This is a CD any music fan can and will enjoy totally irregardless of genre preference. It's just simply good music and a must have. Every single song on the CD is awesome but if I have to pick a few the standout tunes are Stitched Up featuring John Mayer [track 1], A Song For You featuring Christina Aguilera [track 3], and Hush, Hush, Hush featuring Annie Lennox [track 5]. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 6, Sister Moon featuring Sting. Admitting openly that I'm a huge Sting fan. Release Notes: This CD was originally released August 30, 2005 on the Vector Recordings record label. CD track list follows: 1. Stitched Up featuring John Mayer
2. Safiatou featuring Santana and Angilique Kidjo
3. A Song For You featuring Christina Aguilera
4. I Do It For Your Love featuring Paul Simon
5. Hush, Hush, Hush featuring Annie Lennox
6. Sister Moon featuring Sting
7. When Love Comes To Town featuring Jonny Lang and Joss Stone
8. Don't Explain featuring Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan
9. I Just Called To Say I Love You featuring Raul Midon (also featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica)
10. Gelo No Montana featuring Trey Anastasio To hear samples of each song on this CD go to Herbie Hancock CD - Possibilities [ www.smoothlee.com/music-samples/herbie-hancock-possibilities.htm ] |
