My 10 Favourite HERBIE HANCOCK albums | Ranked

[@marlonious7650]

Man Child, Mr Hands, Headhunters, Mwandishi, Thrust, Secrets, ..... Herbie has so many banging albums.

[@martinrenzhofer8241]

Once experienced a performance by Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter in the 1990s that was so far above my head that, well, I didn't know up from down. But I felt so energized and happy when it was over. They were the only two onstage and were just free playing to their hearts' content. Very fortunate to have interviewed Mr. Hancock for a daily in the Rocky Mountain region of the U.S. He was a good conversation.

[@weitzen]

Another great video Andy and timely....saw the man and his amazing band a few months ago and they were just sensational!! The playing throughout was so impressive and the way he represented all musical facets of his career was a joy....and then the first encore is Chameleon, and the Edinburgh Playhouse goes nuts. For an over 80 year old, that man can still get on down , in a jazz, fusion, funk stylee of course!!!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

82 years young!!!!

[@jimshuttleworth2230]

Glad to hear you talking about Herbie.I love a lot of his albums.I have only seen one of his gigs but it was great.Man-Child from 1975 is my favourite at the moment.

[@musictalkwithjohn]

I grew up on Fat Albert. I had no idea this album existed. I just listened to it, now I have to have it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[@thekeywitness]

Great list. I think the later album you were trying to remember was Future 2 Future.

[@jbognap]

One of my favorites is Sunlight. Behind the excellent use of vocoding are some great songs and excellent playing.

[@pedrohorta6266]

Unsung heroes of Herbie's catalog are Inventions & Dimensions (1963) and Dedication (1974). The first has them all improvising from the start---no one knew the changes ahead of time, basically composing on the spot. All the players got was a count in, and then I think it was up to the bass to establish the harmonic motion... On Dedication, it's Herbie playing a live concert all by himself with the latest synths, and on the song Nobu, a random blip generator for a "drum machine". One of the earliset examples of improv and actual "electronica". Such an innovator.

[@albertosilva1076]

Brilliant review of a Genius that is challenging our musical ideas for 6 decades!

[@trevorspiro945]

My favourite albums are Mwandishi, Crossings, and Sextant. I am friends on Facebook with Dr Patrick Gleason who contributed a lot to the progression of the Mwandishi sound into Headhunters, and has has related many very interesting stories to me about his beginnings in electronic music, how he was left master tapes by Herbie to add ‘sugar coating’ to Herbie’s sound at Patrick’s own Different Fur studio, and others. Patrick deserves great credit for his part in the ‘Mwandishi sound’.

[@narosgmbh5916]

PG introduced and taught HH

[@naderzekrya5238]

Oh yeah, Dr Patrick Gleason is some dude! At one time I was digging out everything he'd contributed on...took me to far out places

[@johnhenningfield4360]

Crossings is such a deep listening piece of Afro-Jazz and one of those songs I think its Quazar or Water Torture when you get to a nine or ten minute mark it feels a very levitating I can't explain it but that's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ stars for me

[@jbwuzhere6819]

Getting your Bobby McFerrin on... Maiden Voyage the song and the album is phenomenal. A personal favorite. Your list is excellent. Great vid Andy.

[@turntablesrockmyworld9315]

Fat Albert Rotunda was for a pre-cursor to the TV show Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids, it was for a one-off tv show special called Hey, Hey, Hey, It's Fat Albert.

[@michaelbenz8092]

Stanley Clarke Time Exposure. Included Clarke's own compositions Future Shock and Future.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

That's the one...awful....

[@sealisa1398]

Stanley Clarke (1974)....Lopsy Lu with Tony Williams, Jan Hammer...lifetime favorite

[@sealisa1398]

Head Hunters (1973) was during my college years and I loved it.

[@Rick-jg8vx]

I really appreciate your podcast. Your taste in my taste is so close. I love all types of music but my favorite is when fusion and Prog rock intersect. And you get that more than anybody else that has a podcast. This one in particular on Herbie Hancock another one of my all-time favorite artists you did a great overview. Not just your selections which I agree with but your description of each of the spot on.

[@mikeschultz817]

Just wanted to add; I had the pleasure (and honour) seeing Herbie H. 4 times. The 1st time was on his 'Headhunters' European tour in Frankfurt (1973/4?), the 2nd time (like mentioned in my earlier post) 1976 in Offenbach (near Frankfurt) on the Man-Child tour, and 1982, again in Frankfurt, on the 'Rockit' tour. Last time, I saw him was in the early Nineties at that 'Miles Memorial' tour with Wallace Rooney, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter & Tony Williams. The only acoustic concert. Each concert was fantabulous, to say he least, but the one that left the biggest mark on me was the Headhunters one. However, let me say this. Despite still loving that 1st album, the track I just can't/won't listen to anymore, is 'Chameleon'. Over the years I have played that track, and Azymuth's cover version million/billion times - it's just coming out of my ears. Nonetheless, one of the best (if not the best) funk riffs/tracks EVER!

[@sedatfirat8723]

Hello Mike,Ich war auch da.Grüsse.

[@RogerWyatt365]

All I can say is; You are spot-on in all counts. Great work Andy.

[@mdroyster5546]

Although, it wasn't his album, Herbie Hancock piano accompaniment was a significant contribution to Wes Mongomery's Album entitled A Day in the Life.

[@docbobster]

The cartoon was just called Fat Albert. ("Hey, hey, hey...it's...FAT ALBERT!") I'm old enough to have watched it as a kid. "Tell Me a Bedtime Story" is such a gorgeous tune, and the thought that I must have been hearing it while eating my Cap'n Crunch cereal in the 1960s blows my mind.

[@normanjones9663]

Great video, Andy, thank you for your take on the terrific Herbie Hancock. A short while back you made a video on rock artists you never mention. If you ever decide to do one on jazz fusion artists, I'd be very interested to hear your take on Keith Jarrett. I might have overlooked him in your videos, but I can't see him mentioned despite searching. For some reason his albums really touch a chord with me and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Yes...I need to cover Jarrett at some point...a mixture perhaps of essential albums and my personal favourites...

[@jimmycampbell78]

Hi Norman there is a video on Andy’s channel called ‘The 10 Greatest Jazz Rock Keyboardists’, uploaded 3 months ago. Andy talks about Keith Jarrett a little bit there from 9:15 on that video.

[@normanjones9663]

@@jimmycampbell78 Thank you very much, I'll have a look at that later.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I'm working on a Jarrett video right now...I know enough albums to pull this off I think...

[@arnaudb.7669]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Great! can't wait to see that \o/

[@RobTeeJr]

My top 5: Maiden Voyage Head Hunters Mwandishi VSOP Vol 1 The Piano And thanks for hipping me to Arcana Arc of the Testimony. I enjoyed the CD. I have yet to find the other LP The Last Wave at a reasonable price.

[@mdroyster5546]

Thrust, Future Shock, and Magic Windows shows his versatility while maintaining his signature sound.

[@victorchevalier9151]

Hi I just discover your channel, So cool. I have a question: Do you know Albert Marcoeur ? I was recently told about this artist who was presented to me as the French Zappa. I am so happy with this discovery that I want to share it with everyone, and because I have the impression that this guy is really very little known

[@johncleary6126]

I think it's about time you did a video on Mahavishnu Orchestra you never mention them or John Mc Glovebox

[@TyroneEpps]

Great review 😊 !

[@citizenscriv]

Looking forward to this :-)

[@stevenorman612]

You didn't show the album. It's nice to see what the album is what it looks like.

[@devereauxclandestine1272]

A solid representative selection Andy. Regarding your point about early fusion I think quite a few Blue Note recording artists had a wee bit of funk in the mix in the 60's, but Herbie could well have been one of the first out of the gate. It is strange though that we haven't had any recordings from an artist of his stature for so long though, I wonder why that's the case.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

Many fusion artists know that it is pointless making albums now...

[@philjm3103]

Loving this video, Andy, I would, respectfully, disagree about your comments about the 60s Miles albums. Imho, if you want to find the ultimate Herbie acoustic jazz solo, look no further than "Footprints" from Miles Smiles - I've never heard anything like it. Also, I think you got your decades mixed up when you were talking about Manchild.

[@careyvinzant]

I take it you are focused on 1960s-70s Herbie, which is certainly where he was most fusion-ish. Still, two of his later albums that deserve a shout-out are The New Standard and River: The Joni Letters. They aren't fusion at all, but they are both beautiful albums.

[@enodune]

To me Manchild is the classic Jazz/Funk album. My favourite

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

It is very funky!

[@bernardjharmsen304]

Hang Up Your Hang Ups was my answerphone clip for years😎

[@ericarmstrong6540]

Sextant and Crossings are my two favorite Herbie Hancock albums. Sextant is so damn funky!

[@jazzpunk]

I call that stuff "Free-Funk"... ;-) Love it!

[@jdmresearch]

Love them. They also include the mellotron. These albums also had a massive influence on 73-74 King Crimson (especially on Wetton & Bruford). Hidden shadows is just bonkers.... and amazing.

[@ericarmstrong6540]

@@jdmresearch That explains why I like them so much! King Crimson 1973-74 also had a very funky vibe.

[@guillaumechabason3165]

The Prisoner is my personal favorite Superb melodies and classy Impressionist arrangements

[@bernardjharmsen304]

and Speak Like a Child is a masterpiece that precedes The Prisoner

[@KUJayhawkJazz]

Great list and discussion. No. 11 - My Point of View. Not underrated as much as ignored.

[@attichatchsound-bobkowal5328]

My favorite run of Hancock electric keyboard records is the material between Fat Albert and Head Hunters. "Crossings" might be my favorite.

[@martinspencer1618]

He used a mellotron on one track on each of Crossings, Sextant and Headhunters. I haven't got Sextant but it is called a Melotron on Crossings and isn't credited on Headhunters.

[@juniorbaracat9438]

Can anyone actually hear Ronnie Montrose's guitar on "Ostinato"? There is no guitar on the track - at least I can't hear it. Great video, thanks!

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

It's like a percussion effect, he is plaing through a wah I think

[@juniorbaracat9438]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer thanks!

[@hansmagnusmalcolmsen9354]

Eddie Henderson's Realization is great! Almost a Mwandishi album. And both Billy Hart and Lenny White on it.

[@jdmresearch]

Crossings was a huge influence on King Crimson 1973....

[@davewaterford281]

Great job again. Really love Herbie Hancock, his 60’s solo albums are wonderful - not as good as his time with Miles though. Close.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I'm not so sure...going to deal with this in a video soon entitled 'Filles de Kilamanjaro' vs 'In a Silent Way'

[@arnaudb.7669]

"Inventions and Dimensions" and "Corea/Hancock" are also great ones.

[@domielakrabi3276]

Herbie Hancock is one of the great ones! I'm not crazy about "Future Shock" but for what it is, it is a great record, Autodrive is one of my favorites on it. I think "Sextant" is more experimental than funky, an important album. My list would be very similar. I would add one of his more disco oriented records to complete the styles he was doing - Monster. Btw "Fat Albert Rotunda" is issued in late 69.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

I think Future Shock is a greater album than Monster...If I was to swap out FS it would be for A New Standard or Future 2 Future

[@domielakrabi3276]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Of course FS has to be on such a list. It was/is an important record! I personally prefer the 70's Herbie

[@notreallydavid]

When he came up with Cantalouoe Island, did he think 'YESSSSSSS!'

[@narosgmbh5916]

well done summary FAR is my nr.1 just because I bought first

[@paulmartinson875]

I really like ' Mr. Hands'

[@goodknight37]

I love the Fat Albert album! Seems like nobody talks about that one🤷🏻‍♂️

[@pedrohorta6266]

Andy Edwards' Bobby McFerrin Story Time on PBS Kids... You nailed "Hang Up Your Hang Ups". Thumbs ups.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

He He....check out this... kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKK5eJWalpenq5Y

[@pedrohorta6266]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Oh yeah! Love that Electric Miles doc! Drummers tend to be great, unabashed mouth groovers-- Airto is no exception! On that doc, there's so much awesome commentary by so many giants (Jarrett, DeJohnette, Santana...), and Herbie's closing tribute is the most poignant. You should consider talking about/reveiwing it.

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

@@pedrohorta6266 I used some of the commentary on this track off my album Sodium: andyedwards.bandcamp.com/track/what-is-music

[@pedrohorta6266]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Right on! Cool track. The new agey musings of Jarrett and Santana, and then Miles at the end right? That was some heavy drumming at the end there: Rhodes/Wurly in 5s(?) underneath what seems to be (I think) 10, 14, 14, 14, 16, 14, 14, 14, 4? So nuts. The beginning sounds so drum n bassy, too. Killer.

[@jongreen7858]

Will you be doing a Freddie Hubbard top 10 in the future? Great video as I think Speak Like a child is a very underrated album in my opinion. Herbie had such a phenomenal body of work that it's hard for me to make up a top 10 list.

[@tadpoleslamp]

I love rockit!

[@dennismason3740]

The greatest minor blues piano ever recorded - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpiWdHV4oLimqZY - Herbie was, what, 19? and plays like an 11 million-year-old blues traveler. I cry everytime. Yes I know about Oscar and PineTop.

[@notreallydavid]

I wouldn't die in a ditch in support of this point, but I doubt whether jazz will ever produce another figure of HH's stature. I think we might be too far from the origins of jazz now - the fertility of the seed line has fallen off with time, and I don't think it has the vigour to generate another Hancock.

[@heidiheidiho6412]

6:09 to 6:15 - ??

[@narosgmbh5916]

he meant Stanley Clarke

[@erikheddergott5514]

Future Shock was the defining Electro Boogie Record. But it is as much a Bill Laswell Record than a Herbie Hancock Record.

[@StevenMulligan-ud4gw]

Crossings

[@VincentBautista365]

I have all this "Blue Note recordings". I have "Mwandishi". I have "Crossing". I have "Sextant". I have "Head Hunters". I have "Thurst". I have "Man - Child". I forgot I have "The Piano"

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

No Feets Don't Fail Me Now then...?

[@VincentBautista365]

@@AndyEdwardsDrummer Sorry, no.

[@elkston]

Empyrean Isles is ranked way too low. Its must be in the top 3.

[@mikeschultz817]

Oh man, what were you on when recording this? Never have I seen you more off the track than now. Here's some examples: 4:15 "at number 9 I have 'Future Shock'. Is it one of my favourite albums? NO!!!, it isn't. I find it quite troublesome, itis a troublesome listen." If that's really so, what I don't think (but that's - as always - entirely up to you), why put it in your list of FAVOURITE HH albums??? 5:57 (still talking about 'Future Shock' (by Herbie Hancock). "...now, HH had a huge success with that album. A lot of other jazz musicians tried to move over to that style, an example of that would be HERBIE HANCOCK(???) who made an album just after this, with the title 'Future' even in the album. I can't remember the title..... I thought, the whole video was about Herbie in the first place. Anyway... 10:45 "...at number 7 I have....'Man-Child', which, I think, is from '66/'67. It's the beginning of his disco period... REALLY??? I always believed, this album was from 1976. In fact, I saw him that year together with "Wah Wah' Watson, Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, and a drummer whose name eludes me at the moment. Never mind, just let me know what it was you were on, and where I can get some. LoL! Your choice, actually, was quite ok. Nonetheless, I would have included two other albums. One instead of 'Thrust', as it's just an extension of the first Headhunters album, yet not as important. Instead, I'd have gone for 'Village Life', an album he recorded with Foday Musa Suso. And, instead of one of the sixties album, I'd chosen 'River (The Joni Letters)'. Both from the early 2000's. Ok, both aren't what you might call 'original' HH albums, but they do shine a proper light on his incredible versatility & openness for other genres, Afro music & singer/songwriter, alike. 'Future II Future' and the 2nd Mwandishi album 'Crossings' would also jump my mind, but, at least, you mentioned the self-titled album & 'Sextant' from that period. All three of them have been culpably neglected/ignored in favour of Weather Report, Mahavishnu Orchestra, Return to Forever, Lenny White, even Miles himself. This band, complex & complicated as they might sound to some of you, pursue, even expand the original ideas of 'Bitches Brew'. I'd also like to mention 2 original soundtracks by 'The Sleeping Giant', one being from the sixties movie 'Blow Up' by Michelangelo Antonioni, which comprises beautiful - what would now be called - cocktail lounge jazz plus a mindblowing Live performance of the Yardbirds. The other one (you mentioned it briefly) being the music for 'Deathwish', a quite controversial movie (with Charles Bronson) back then in 1974. At least, some of the tunes representing (speaking strictly for me) the darkest Funk Jazz. Just recently, I had listened to it gain, and it hasn't lost its (sinister) charm, yet Last, but not, two recommendations, related to the Mwandishi period, and both released in 1974(?!) on the ECM label. One being 'Jewel in the Lotus' by Bennie Maupin, the other 'Love, Love' be Pepo Mtoto aka Julian Priester. The title track, a 19-minute excursion into the future of sound/funk/groove/hip hop/samples/electronica, is, to this to this very day, the true (if not only) epitome of all aforementioned genres. Julian & Dr. Patrick Gleason, who had contributed to the 2nd & 3rd Mwandishi album are the masterminds behind this, supported by various other musicians from the Mwandishi band. OK, Ciao for now. I'd love a comment from you guys, but also from 'The Master' himself.

[@narosgmbh5916]

May occur. When you meander through time and space, water sometimes flows backwards ;-)

[@AndyEdwardsDrummer]

As this channel has developed, I have moved into a style where I do not plan what I am going to say. I moved towards this style as many othetr channels that Im watch where they do top tens, its seems that people are simply reading stuff they have researched before hand. I cannot see the point in doing that. I want to film myself discovering new thoughts about the artist, not just reading out facts. On this video i really made a few clangers. Anyway...Future Shock is an album that had the biggest cultural impact. If Herbie went down in history for one thing, it would be Rockit. It changed the landscape of music and he was the first Black artist on MTV. This is monumental. This album has to go on the list. But there is not that much jazz on there. So that is troublesome. I see no problem with this. It's the same as putting Hi Ho Silver Lining on a Best of Jeff Beck album. I the was trying to remember the album by Stanley Clarke called Time Exposure but it escaped me...sorry. I also said 66 instead of 76. Again sorry. I could go back to organising my thoughts more but the truth is this channel is growing and I think it's because I'm doing something different. I don't know what I'm going to say next, or if it is going to all crash and I think thats what keeps people watching...

[@drummermikeclark]

I am the drummer who eluded that cat on Manchild and Thrust!