Herbie Hancock – “Dis Is Da Drum” (1994)

rune — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 10:00:48 +0000

This is one of Herbie Hancock‘s most underrated albums, and one of my personal favorites among many of this musical genius total output during his almost 50 year long career as a genre defining artist. It combines many of the different musical styles prevalent at the time with some of his previous endeavors, and somehow he manages to mix it into a coherent whole that is greater than the sum of it’s parts. Bits of jazz, hip-hop, afrobeat & funk are blended together using mostly programmed but very organic sounding beats, masterfully accompanied by a whole host of superstar session players, including many of his former Headhunters band members.

Alphonse Mouzon – “By All Means” (1981)

rune — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 11:00:05 +0000

With an all-star team of performers including Herbie Hancock (keys), Freddie Hubbard (horns), Lee Ritenour (guitars), Alphonse Mouzon (drums/perc) to name a few, it’s no wonder this album contains some quality jazz/funk tracks, with the 14 minute title song leading the way. Most people have heard it on any number of compilation albums, but with the exception of one out-of-place track called “Space Invadors”, the rest of this record is just as good as “By All Means” and it’s well worth seeking out.

ultrafunk » herbie hancock

Herbie Hancock – “Dis Is Da Drum” (1994)

Alphonse Mouzon – “By All Means” (1981)