Maiden Voyage

ハービー・ハンコックの1960年代のブルーノートでの驚異的な業績を考慮しても、1965年の「Maiden Voyage」は偉大なピアニストのキャリアの中でも最高の芸術的成果の一作。

タイトル曲「アイ・オブ・ザ・ハリケーン」や「ドルフィン・ダンス」など、ジャズの定番曲となっているハンコックのオリジナル曲5曲を、大海原で演奏している。

【パーソネル】Herbie Hancock (p) Freddie Hubbard(tp) George Coleman (ts) Ron Carter(b) Tony Williams(ds)

Less overtly adventurous than its predecessor, Empyrean Isles, Maiden Voyage nevertheless finds Herbie Hancock at a creative peak. In fact, it's arguably his finest record of the '60s, reaching a perfect balance between accessible, lyrical jazz and chance-taking hard bop. By this point, the pianist had been with Miles Davis for two years, and it's clear that Miles' subdued yet challenging modal experiments had been fully integrated by Hancock. Not only that, but through Davis, Hancock became part of the exceptional rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams, who are both featured on Maiden Voyage, along with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and tenor saxophonist George Coleman. The quintet plays a selection of five Hancock originals, many of which are simply superb showcases for the group's provocative, unpredictable solos, tonal textures, and harmonies. While the quintet takes risks, the music is lovely and accessible, thanks to Hancock's understated, melodic compositions and the tasteful group interplay. All of the elements blend together to make Maiden Voyage a shimmering, beautiful album that captures Hancock at his finest as a leader, soloist, and composer. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

ジャズ・ピアノ界に君臨するハービー・ハンコックの名作。ファンク・ジャズ系のヒット曲が多い彼ですが「MAIDEN VOYAGE」は'60年代ストレート・アヘッド・ジャズの名曲のクラシックの影響を受けたハーモニーが凄い！ (C)KIYOSSI