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Binding: Audio CDEAN: 0724349879621 Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered Label: Blue Note Records Manufacturer: Blue Note Records MPN: 98796 Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Blue Note Records Release Date: March 23, 1999 Studio: Blue Note Records Editorial Review: Amazon.com: Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has had a long and varied career, during which he's enjoyed both creative and commercial success, though seldom at the same time. For many listeners, his creative peak came early, on two stunning Blue Note recordings, Maiden Voyage and the less celebrated Empyrean Isles. Recorded in 1964, Empyrean Isles is the earlier of the two and also the most radical. Hancock's quartet features Freddie Hubbard substituting a cornet for his usual trumpet, and getting a more burnished, slightly warmer sound. Without the jazz-typical saxophone present, Hancock's is almost a naked band, and the single horn blurs the lines between the pianist's mood-rich compositions and improvisation. The group uses the increased sense of space for intense collective creation, with Hancock and drummer Tony Williams pressing far beyond their instruments' usual roles and engaging Hubbard in edgy, complex dialogue, while bassist Ron Carter anchors the performances. Hubbard rises to the occasion with brilliance, responding to the stimulus with a fluency of thought and execution--a daring that built on his avant-garde experience with musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Eric Dolphy. From the breezy "Oliloqui Valley" to the funky "Cantaloupe Island" and on to the dissonance of the extended "Egg," this is one of the most significant documents of the Blue Note style that emerged in the mid-'60s. It's music that tests the balance of control and risk, and Hubbard's is also one of the great performances by a trumpeter in modern jazz. --Stuart Broomer Album Description: Herbie Hancock's fourth Blue Note album with Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams defined the sound that his jazz work would carry to this day: funk, delicate harmonies and experimental improvisation all somehow working together. "One Finger Snap" and, of course, "Cantaloupe Island" have become jazz classics. Includes two bonus tracks. Average Rating:
 Rating: - One of the best, by one ot the bestIf I had a gun put to my head by some quirky jazz-loving criminal who was intent on forcing me to confess which Herbie Hancock album was the greatest, I'd probably flirt with the idea of naming "maiden voyage" and then admit that this one was where it's at. Why? Because like "maiden voyage" the playing here is both inventive and brilliant, but in addition to those virtues this album features an amazing variety that is nevertheless organic. In other words Hancock shows you all the most daring possible ... Read More Rating: - Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpieceMy knowledge of Herbie Hancock extends to five solo albums plus his work with Miles Davis, so I don't at all consider myself an expert on this guy. But this is my favorite Hancock album that I've heard. And yes, I know (and like) both Maiden Voyage and Headhunters, so don't tell me I don't know Herbie. Anyway, the first thing to note is the guy behind the drum kit. That's right, Tony Williams is on this album. That should make it reason enough to buy it, no? Here's another. This record has the classic ... Read More Rating: - Herbie Hancock Has Arrived...Have you ever come across an artist that has 2 albums so good, it's virtually impossible to determine which of the 2 is better? Well today I'll be reviewing the first of 2 Herbie Hancock's explorations in excellence (with the other being Maiden Voyage). Empyrean Isles is one of those rare albums that manage to stretch the limits of the English language. It is such a wonderful album that one sometimes struggles to find a word to describe it. Whenever asked how the album is, I always find myself frowning ... Read More Rating: - 1+ 3With Freddie backed by Herbie,Ron Carter,and Tony Williams.This is high-flight crisp and inspiring music.Worthy of repeated listenings. Listen and enjoy.Williams is over the top,very creative and will continue to suprise you with his unceasing inventiveness.I've always noticed how Carter and Williams really spur Hancock on as you will notice in this set.Hancock,one the the truly great pianist of post-bop era,sounds like he is his having the time of his life.It doesn't get much better than this. Rating: - 5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remasteringIf you're thinking of upgrading from the previous release I would think twice. I have many of the new RVG remasters and have found most of them with improved sound, although some of them are just louder, not better. But this release is curious to say the least. While the bass is somewhat more prominent it is at the expense of the drums which are a major reason why this session worked. Mr. Williams sounds like he was in the next studio over, in the background, compared to the initial release. I won't ... Read More |
