Herbie Hancock | The Imagine Project

Herbie Hancock | The Imagine Projectby Randy Mahon

Jazz great, pianist Herbie Hancock, releases another project that will undoubtedly win him another Grammy Award …… this time in the “World Music” category. Released on his own imprint, Hancock Records, “The Imagine Project”, the album takes the tone of the classic John Lennon humanitarian song “Imagine”, and bring together musicians and vocalists from all over the world to create, what may be described a ‘Worldly Jazz’ record. This project follows his Grammy “Album Of The Year” Award winning CD, 2007’s “River: The Joni Letters”.

Opening song, the John Lennon staple, “Imagine”, features Pop diva P!NK, neo soul great India.Aire, UK soulster Seal, Jeff Beck and world music artists, Konono N°1, & Oumou Sangare. It’s done in an Afro beat tempo. The slow and mellow feel of “Don’t Give Up”, features John Legend and P!NK on co-lead vocals both delivering an emotion felt performance. “Tempo de Amor” featuring Brazilian singer Cèu falls directly in line with the sensual Brazilian rhythms. A lightly strummed electric rhythm guitar, a steady bass line, and lightly played percussions are prevalent throughout. “Space Captain” featuring Blues greats, Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks is handled in soulful, bluesy context. 

“The Times, They Are A’ Changin’”, featuring Irish band The Chieftains, African Malian kora player Toumani Diabete, & Irish singer Lisa Hannigan. This Bob Dylan folk classic incorporates traditional Irish rhythms and African overtones. “La Tierra”, featuring Colombian singer/songwriter/guitarist, Juanes. This latin flavored track shuffles and soothes the ear as if you’re in South America soaking up the sun. The hip hop and R&B overtones of “Tamatant Tilay / Exodus” features Africa’s Malian group Tinariwen, Ethiopia’s rapper/poet K’NAAN, & East Los Angeles formed, Mexican originated band Los Lobos. This song incorporates the chorus of the Bob Marley anthem “Exodus”. “Tomorrow Never Knows” features South African born pop singer Dave Matthews. It’s a mid to up-tempo number that features ethereal keyboard sounds and world percussive beats.

“A Change Is Gonna Come”, featuring UK singer James Morrison tackles the Sam Cooke classic in the same heartache sentiment of Sam. Herbie’s acoustic piano is performed in an improvised jazz mode. “The Song Goes On”, features Indian artists K.S. Chithra and Anoushka Shankar, the iconic Chaka Khan, and jazz great, Wayne Shorter. This Middle Eastern flavored, tabla performed work, blends well with Chaka’s distinctive vocal textures and Wayne’s amazing soprano sax stylings. This project is another brilliant move from one of jazz music’s great artist. A must have !

Happy Listening !

Randy Mahon
The Urban Music Scene