Herbie Hancock is back, with another all-star recording project. The results come across as a little uneven. Check out my review, below, or read it online, or click here to link directly to the review, published in Las Vegas City Life.
Herbie Hancock, The Imagine Project (Herbie Hancock Record)
Herbie Hancock, an eternally youthful musical explorer nevertheless celebrating his 70th birthday this month with an all-star concert at Carnegie Hall, extends that concept to his new CD, an eclectic collaboration with jazz, funk, rock, pop, blues and world music guests.
The hands-across-the-ocean message about the role music can play in making the world a better place is admirable. But the results are scattershot, with high-end performances diffused by the sprawl.
Several tracks leap from the pack, notably Joe Cocker single “Space Captain," a bluesy, gospel-edged stomper allying Susan Tedeschis gritty vocals with husband Derek Truckss singing, stinging slide guitar incantations and Hancock's multicolor keyboard work. It cooks early and often, with Trucks's expressive lines turning absolutely ferocious.
Bob Dylan's “The Times, They Are A-Changin'" with Ireland's The Chieftains and Lisa Hannigan, is another highlight, moody and atmospheric.
Hancock also connects with India.Arie, Jeff Beck, Pink and Seal for a pretty if overwrought “Imagine;" Pink and John Legend, for an affecting version of Peter Gabriel's “Don't Give Up;" Dave Matthews, for The Beatles' psychedelic, swirling “Tomorrow Never Knows;" and saxophonist Wayne Shorter plus Chaka Khan and Anoushka Shankar, for “The Song Goes On."
Nice, if not essential.
