Takin' Off, Herbie Hancock's debut as a leader, holds up exceptionally well decades after its release, even in light of the vast, eclectic, and excellent solo catalogue that followed. Still in the thick of his groundbreaking work with Miles Davis, Hancock had already established himself as a pianist and composer of the first order, and those qualities shine on Takin' Off. Flanked by superb personnel that includes trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, saxophonist Dexter Gordon, and drummer Billy Higgins, Hancock offers six excellent compositions (including the famous "Watermelon Man") that balance between adventurousness and the rigors of classic hard bop. Recorded at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on May 28, 1962. Includes liner notes by Leonard Feather.
The XRCD-24 bit Super Analog disc represents JVC's continuing commitment to the pursuit of digital audio perfection. XRCD offers clearer definition, more accurate imaging, and higher audio quality than any compact disc before.
Tracklist:
1 Watermelon Man 7:05
2 Three Bags Full 5:26
3 Empty Pockets 6:08
4 The Maze 6:46
5 Driftin' 6:53
6 Alone And I 6:26
7 Watermelon Man (Alternate Take) 6:40
8 Three Bags Full (Alternate Take) 5:33
9 Empty Pockets (Alternate Take) 6:27
Bass – Butch Warren
Drums – Billy Higgins
Piano – Herbie Hancock
Tenor Saxophone – Dexter Gordon
Trumpet – Freddie Hubbard
Recording information:
Title: Takin' Off
Artist: Herbie Hancock
Genre: Jazz
Media: 1x XRCD24 CD Stereo , , . Digibook, Playable on all CD player
Label: Blue Note
Cat#: AWMXR-0017
Released: 10.2.2023 in US
Original release: 1962 by Blue Note 84109
EAN: 693692200171
Discogs rel.#: 25745923
