Herbie Hancock My Point of View [Jazz][mp3 320][h33t][schon55]

Herbie Hancock - My Point of View
Original Release Date: March 19, 1963
Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
Label: Blue Note Records
Bitrate: 320 kbps

Takin' Off was an impressive debut effort from Herbie Hancock, and his second record, My Point of View, proved that it was no fluke. Hancock took two risks with the album — his five original compositions covered more diverse stylistic ground than his debut, and he assembled a large septet for the sessions; the band features such stellar musicians as trumpeter Donald Byrd, tenor saxophonist Hank Mobley, drummer Tony Williams, guitarist Grant Green, bassist Chuck Israels, and trombonist Grachan Moncur III. It's a rare occasion that all seven musicians appear on the same track, which speaks well for the pianist's arranging capabilities. Hancock knows how to get the best out of his songs and musicians, which is one of the reasons why My Point of View is a captivating listen. The other is the sheer musicality of the record. Hard bop remains the foundation for Hancock's music, but he explores its limitations, finding its soulful side {the successful "Watermelon Man" rewrite "Blind Man, Blind Man"}, its probing, adventurous leanings {the edgy "King Cobra"}, and its ballad side. "The Pleasure Is Mine" is a lovely, simple ballad, while "A Tribute to Someone" takes the form to more challenging territory — it's lyrical, but it takes chances. The closer "And What if I Don't" finds the band working a relaxed, bluesy groove that gives them opportunities to spin out rich, tasteful solos. It's a little more relaxed than Takin' Off, but in its own way My Point of View is nearly as stunning. ~ AMG

In my opinion, this is Herbie Hancock's best bluenote album. Blind Man, Blind Man is a rewrite of Watermellon Man, but the addition of guitar {Grant Green} and trombone {Grachan Moncur III} give the arrangement a more interesting edge. The next two songs, A Tribute To Someone and King Cobra are the best that Herbie ever wrote. Hank Mobley and Donald Byrd play beautiful on them. Mobley in particular, never sounded so pretty before or after as he does here. And Tony Williams, eighteen on this recording, plays with the maturity and restraint of someone 3 times his age. A Tribute To Someone and King Cobra, to me, are better than anything Herbie Hancock ever recorded, solo or otherwise. That alone to me makes this record even more essential than Maiden Voyage or Emperyan Isles. The Pleasure is Mind is no Dolphin Dance and And What If I Don't is no Cantaloupe Island, but don't let that stop you from buying this. And don't let reviewers who dream of hearing Maiden Voyage Part II lead you to believe that My Point Of View is in any way inferior to anything Herbie ever recorded for bluenote. And as I mentioned before, if you are a fan of Hank Mobley {as I am} or Donald Byrd, both of them are in prime form. Mobley is at his best. Get the album. ~ Frank Bock

Personnel:
Donald Byrd {trumpet}
Grachan Moncur III {trombone}
Hank Mobley {tenor sax}
Herbie Hancock {piano}
Grant Green {guitar}
Chuck Israels {bass}
Tony Williams {drums}

Herbie Hancock - My Point of View tracks:
01 Blind Man, Blind Man {8:15}
02 A Tribute To Someone {8:40}
03 King Cobra {6:51}
04 The Pleasure Is Mine {4:00}
05 And What If I Don't {6:30}
06 Blind Man, Blind Man [alternate take] {8:21}