Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancockis an American pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, composer and actor. Starting his career with Donald Byrd, he shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet where Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the post-bop sound. He was one of the first jazz musicians to embrace synthesizers and funk music. Hancock's music is often melodic and accessible; he has had many songs "cross over" and achieved success...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPianist
Date of Birth12 April 1940
CityChicago, IL
CountryUnited States of America
I've got to learn how to do this. That's my instrument, and he can do it. Why can't I?
Even during the major avant-garde period of jazz in the late '60s and early '70s, the songs usually had melodies, some harmonic starting-off point, or something to unify a particular piece in the beginning.
I was very much aware of blues, because it was on the radio all the time.
But it's all part of the humanistic approach. Humanism amid the machines, you know?
It was interesting putting this record together, because I was putting it together with musicians who claim that I was a big influence on the music they're making now.
My idea is that young people who are not as jaded about technology and the use of technology as we are, who didn't create the technological age, but are born into it, may be able to create software that addresses the issues that pertain to the human being and lead toward the advancement of creativity and the human spirit.
He was a man of mystery, magic and mystique. It was often said he was an enigma. I would venture to say that many who said that just didn't get it.
I said, 'If Miles is so open, it must be cool to be open to all this other stuff.'
He was a man of mystery, magic and mystique.
And if I don't express that, then what's my life worth?
It's a statement of our position, which is that we are not making this record in order to honor technology; we're not slaves to that, we don't want to be slaves to that.
And I don't always talk about music, and I don't always play music, and I don't always think about music.
It's not just a collection of overdubs, ... Every artist on the record gave me their heart - and each track is a surprise. This album was about interaction, freedom and looseness. It may not have the notes of jazz, but it was created in the spirit of jazz.
I always hope that as a performer I'm able to come out with something that not only makes people feel inspired but even beyond that, I always hope that what happens on the stage makes people feel like they can do it.