Herbie Hancock’s memoir, Possibilities, has just been published, painting a revealing picture of one of the most influential jazz pianists ever. I recently read the book while on vacation and just could not put it down.
Along with fellow jazz pianist, McCoy Tyner, Herbie rewrote the book on modern jazz piano stylings. He eschewed the 2-5-1 harmonic changes characteristic of bebop (think Charlie Parker & Bud Powell), introducing a more angular, modern sound to jazz piano playing.
Following advice from his early mentor and trumpeter Donald Byrd’s advice, Herbie persuaded Blue Note Record’s Alfred Lion to let him keep publishing rights, resulting in some nice BMI paychecks after his song, “Watermelon Man,” from his debut album, Takin’ Off, became a big hit for both him and Cuban percussionist Mongo Santamaría.
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