Herbie Hancock, the iconic jazz pianist and composer, is about to receive a fitting tribute with the release of a comprehensive boxed set that delves deep into his illustrious career. This extraordinary collection, titled “The Story of Herbie Hancock,” is set to take fans on a journey through his musical evolution, featuring carefully selected albums, exclusive content, and remarkable audio quality. In this article, we will explore the details of this highly anticipated box set and celebrate the enduring legacy of Herbie Hancock.
The Story Of Herbie Hancock, “Vinyl Me Please” Boxed Set
“The Story of Herbie Hancock” boxed set, in collaboration with Vinyl Me Please, is set to be released over four weeks, each installment revealing different facets of Hancock’s remarkable career.
Week 1: This first week will include Herbie Hancock’s vinyl LPs “Takin’ Off” (1962) and “Maiden Voyage” (1965). These albums showcase Hancock’s early work and his emerging brilliance in the world of jazz.
Week 2: The second week will feature two iconic albums, “Head Hunters” and “The V.S.O.P. Quintet: Live Under the Sky” (1979). “Head Hunters” is a groundbreaking fusion masterpiece, while “Live Under the Sky” captures a mesmerizing live performance by Herbie’s supergroup, V.S.O.P., featuring jazz legends Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and Tony Williams.
Week 3: In week three, fans can look forward to Herbie Hancock’s “The Piano” (1979) and “Future Shock” (1983). “The Piano” showcases his piano virtuosity, while “Future Shock” explores his innovative foray into electronic and funk-infused music.
Week 4: The final week of this musical journey will include “1+1” (1997) and “The River” (2007), rounding out Herbie Hancock’s diverse and prolific discography.
Boxed Set Details
8 Essential Herbie Hancock Albums
The heart of this box set lies in the selection of eight essential Herbie Hancock albums that span his multifaceted career. Each album was meticulously remastered for vinyl, with lacquers cut from the original masters by the legendary Bernie Grundman at Bernie Grundman Mastering. Pressed on high-quality 180g black vinyl, these records are housed in heavyweight tip-on jackets, ensuring an exceptional listening experience.
Exclusive Podcast Series
In addition to the music, “The Story of Herbie Hancock” offers an exclusive five-episode podcast series. Hosted by Touré, this series features intimate conversations with Herbie himself about his remarkable career and provides insights into why he selected the eight albums featured in this anthology. Listeners will also have the opportunity to hear from special guests, including Wayne Shorter and Robert Glasper, sharing their experiences of working with the musical legend.
Liner Notes Booklet
To complement the music and podcast, music journalist Marcus Moore takes readers through Herbie’s extensive career in the liner notes booklet. This deluxe 12×12″ booklet is not only informative but also visually captivating, featuring archival photos from throughout Herbie’s illustrious career.
Premium Commemorative Box
The “Story of Herbie Hancock” boxed set comes in a premium two-piece slip and slash box, featuring an elegant and timeless design. Hand-numbered and designed by Clay Conder, this first-edition release is limited to just 1500 copies, making it a truly collectible item for avid fans and collectors alike.
Exclusive AMA Video Sessions
As an added bonus, purchasers of this box set will receive access to two previously recorded “Ask Me Anything” video sessions. One of these sessions features a special guest, providing an even deeper dive into Herbie Hancock’s life and music.
A Classic Live Album, Reimagined
One of the highlights of this anthology is the resequencing of “Live Under The Sky,” the live album from Herbie’s supergroup V.S.O.P. This album, which also featured Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and Tony Williams, has been revamped exclusively for this collection. Herbie Hancock’s personal touch has added a new song to the album, giving listeners a fresh perspective on this classic live performance.
How Was It Mastered?
The audio quality of “The Story of Herbie Hancock” is nothing short of exceptional. Bernie Grundman, renowned for his mastering expertise, handled the lacquer cutting for all eight titles at Bernie Grundman Mastering in Hollywood, California. The albums “Takin’ Off,” “Maiden Voyage,” “Head Hunters,” “The Piano,” and “Future Shock” were cut using analog tape sources (AAA). “1+1” and “The River,” both originally recorded digitally, as well as the resequenced “Live Under the Sky,” were sourced from master digital audio. The albums were plated at RTI and pressed at GZ on high-quality 180g black vinyl.
About Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock’s career is a dazzling mosaic of innovation, reinvention, and timeless musical genius. Born on April 12, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, Hancock began his musical journey as a classical pianist but soon found his passion for jazz. He burst onto the scene in the early 1960s, captivating audiences with his debut album, “Takin’ Off,” which featured the jazz standard “Watermelon Man.”
As the years passed, Hancock continually pushed the boundaries of jazz, embracing fusion with groundbreaking albums like “Head Hunters.” His ability to seamlessly blend jazz, funk, rock, and electronic elements into a cohesive sound revolutionized the music industry. “Chameleon,” a track from “Head Hunters,” became an anthem of this fusion era.
Hancock’s insatiable curiosity and talent for reinvention led him to explore electronic music with “Future Shock,” an album that birthed the iconic hit “Rockit.” This track not only dominated the charts but also ushered in the era of turntablism and hip-hop’s electronic sound.
Throughout his career, Herbie Hancock has collaborated with a who’s who of music, including Miles Davis, Wayne Shorter, Freddie Hubbard, and countless others. His ability to adapt and innovate in various musical genres, from jazz to funk, pop, and beyond, is a testament to his versatility and enduring influence.
Hancock’s accolades are staggering, including multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for his work on the soundtrack of the film “Round Midnight.” He also served as the UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue, furthering his impact beyond the realm of music.
Beyond his contributions to music, Herbie Hancock’s commitment to social and political causes, as well as his dedication to fostering young talent through education and mentorship, make him a true luminary and a living legend in the world of music.
