Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock
Herbert Jeffrey "Herbie" Hancockis an American pianist, keyboardist, bandleader, composer and actor. Starting his career with Donald Byrd, he shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet where Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the post-bop sound. He was one of the first jazz musicians to embrace synthesizers and funk music. Hancock's music is often melodic and accessible; he has had many songs "cross over" and achieved success...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionPianist
Date of Birth12 April 1940
CityChicago, IL
CountryUnited States of America
The other reason is the concept of attitude. I didn't want to appear angry, but it's okay to appear serious or to not smile.
When you try to define a purity as being something that's closed and limited, you're not talking about the music that I play called jazz.
When you struggle to reach for something you don't know, that's where the most interesting stuff is.
We are all on the same trip in the band. We all realize that people in the music business, and the audience have an eye on us because collectively our history is extensive.
You don't know what that's going to sound like; you just do it because the urge is there.
What I always wonder is, why is it that whenever I make a record they think that whatever that thing is on that record, that's the only thing I do?
What's music supposed to be about anyway? Is it a means for a musician to masturbate, or is it for people to listen to?
I remember my very first recording. It was on a wire recorder, as the tape recording was only just out but too expensive.
But if I'm banging my head against a wall because I can't come up with any ideas, that's not so much fun.
But it's all part of the humanistic approach. Humanism amid the machines, you know?
But in jazz, the song may be written by somebody else, but how you treat it is entirely with your notes and your expression.
But I'm talking about responsibility, a sense of responsibility. Developing software to help human beings develop more of a sense of responsibility. Kids need that. Adults need it too. More self worth. More self-respect.
But I'm not so focused on intensity from that kind of testosterone level that a lot of jazz is on.
But I cant name a specific synthesizer that is my favorite.