GERSHWIN'S WORLD

From mid-70-s through 80-s till second part of 90-s Herbie Hancock recorded just a few strong albums. He changed his musical direction from funk-jazz to funk-disco to r'n'b and soul based pop-jazz to hip hop and techno during this time, with rare albums in more classic be- bop, post-bop or jazz fusion style. It looks that starting from late 90-s he returned back to his roots ( in part at least), and you can find more interesting works here. Even if less innovative, it is often much more listenable music. Gershwin's World is more or less what you expect from album name. But based on very classic jazz tunes, musicianship is enough modern and almost always interesting. No big band sound or be-bop retro replicas. It isn't avantgarde jazz for sure, but very tasteful post-bop and contemporary jazz. Near some Hancock old mates ( Eddie Henderson, Chick Corea, Wayne Shorter), most surprising guest is Jony Mitchell, singing two songs ( incl. Summertime). Her voice there shows how far she is from her folksy beginning of singer's career. Steve Wonder adds harmonica on few more songs. Orpheus Chamber Orchestra teamed with Hancock on Maurice Ravel composition. The music varies from post-bop through almost symphonic compositions with slight jazzy arrangements to contemporary jazz songs. For sure, this music is far away from Hancock experiments of early career time, but it is more mature demonstration what he reached during these decades. Not too attractive album for innovative fusion fans, it is a great classic album for more conservative jazz lovers.