Possibly better known for his later jazz-funk albums, Hancock was an accomplished jazz pianist in the 1960s, coming to attention as part of Miles Davis' band, and this compilation gathers Hancock tunes from 1962-65.
I've no idea where I picked up this CD, but it has got me thinking how the 1990s are likely to be over-represented in this, since so many similar compilations of earlier work were issued in these early days of CD.
The CD opens with two jazz standards - Cantaloupe Island, where Hancock's piano theme underpins Freddie Hubbard's trumpet melody, before letting rip on his own solo, and Watermelon Man, a little more upbeat, this time Hubbard's trumpet alternates with Dexter Gordon's sax before leaving Hancock to do his thing - both great tunes. The same line-up deliver the next tune, Driftin', smooth and easy to listen to, but not nearly the impact of the previous two. Blind Man, Blind Man is much the same, a decent listen, which sets the foot tapping, but doesn't leave you humming the tune afterwards. And What If I Don't is a little slower, but gently rocking along, with more of a big band feel, then the compilation ends with Maiden Voyage, a lovely piece.
Hancock's music is very easy to enjoy, and this is a good compilation as an introduction to his earlier work.
3* - a good introduction to Hancock's 1960s work
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