On his 1962 debut album, Takin’ Off, pianist Herbie Hancock arrived fully formed at the helm of an impressive quintet with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Billy Higgins. Though rooted firmly in hard bop, the brilliant pianist and composer presented his own strikingly original voice on this six-song album consisting entirely of his own compositions, from the funky hit “Watermelon Man” to the timeless ballad “Alone and I.” This Blue Note 80 Vinyl Edition is all-analogue, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.
Tracklist
A1: Watermelon Man A2: Three Bags Full A3: Empty Pockets B1: The Maze B2: Driftin' B3: Alone And I
Credits
Recorded - May 28, 1962 at Van Gelder Studio, New Jersey
Engineer - Rudy Van Gelder
Producer - Alfred Lion
This Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.