At the moment, I’d be inclined to call Herbie Hancock the greatest jazz pianist of his generation. The early Blue Note recordings are a feast for fans of post (and pre-post) bop: “Watermelon Man,” “Succotash,” “Cantaloupe Island.” Hancock quickly caught the attention of Miles Davis, joining the second great Quintet (1963-1969) that eventually included Wayne Shorter. A prodigious talent, Hancock also appears on many important sessions during this period, including recordings with Shorter (Speak No Evil) and Freddie Hubbard (Red Clay).
In the Seventies, Hancock signed with Warner Bros. and began making music that deeply identified with his own African-American ethnicity—Fat Albert Rotunda, Mwandishi, Sextant—and found him increasingly favoring electric instrumentation. Head Hunters, with its unique jazz/funk fusion, was a crossover success and established Hancock as a viable commercial artist. He continued to release commercially successful funk/disco records (to the consternation of jazz snobs) while keeping the Quintet’s flame alive through the V.S.O.P. recordings (to the delight of all-too-easily-consternated jazz snobs).
In the 80s, Hancock re-re-defined his audience with Future Shock: an electronic rock/dance record that had more in common with the groundbreaking “cut-up” music of Bill Laswell’s Material and The Art of Noise than jazz. In the 90s, he experimented with hip-hop and returned to the classics of Miles (which netted him his second Grammy) and George Gershwin. River, an interpretive album that turned Joni Mitchell’s jazz lens back on herself, was named Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards—confirming that Hancock’s appeal continues to cross genres and generations.
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The Discography
TAKIN’ OFF (1963)
Watermelon Man / Three Bags Full / Empty Pockets / The Maze / Driftin’ / Alone And I. Released on elpee in 1963 in the US (Blue Note, BLP-4109). Re-released on elpee in 1984 in the US (Blue Note, 84109) and on 180g vinyl elpee in 2006 in the US (Cisco, CLP-7050). Re-released on expanded CD with three bonus alternate takes in 1987 (Blue Note, 46506) and in 1996 in the US (Blue Note, 37643-2). Re-released on 2CD with Cantaloupe Island on September 22, 2008 in France (EMI, 36153-2).
MY POINT OF VIEW (1963)
Blind Man, Blind Man / Tribute To Someone // King Cobra / The Pleasure Is Mine / And What If I Don’t. Released on mono and stereo elpee in 1963 in the US (Blue Note, BLP 4126/BST 84126). Re-released on CD in 1988 (Blue Note, CDP-84126). Re-released on remastered, expanded CD with one bonus track (alternate take of “Blind Man, Blind Man”) on September 14, 1999 in the US (Blue Note) and in June 2008 in Japan (Blue Note, TOCJ-7116).
INVENTIONS & DIMENSIONS (1964)
Succotash / Triangle / Jack Rabbit / Mimosa / A Jump Ahead. Released on elpee in 1964 in the US (Blue Note, BLP-4147). Re-released on CD in 1989 (Blue Note, 84147). Re-released on expanded CD with bonus alternate take of “Mimosa” in 1997 in the US (CD 82 52434) and in 2005 in the US (Blue Note, 563798-2) as part of the RVG Edition series. Also re-packaged as Succotash (and co-credited to Willie Bobo) with different track order and released on elpee in 1975 in the US (Blue Note, 152). Succotash was re-released in 1990 on elpee and cassette (Pausa, PC-9002).
EMPYREAN ISLES (1964)
One Finger Snap / Oliloqui Valley // Cantaloupe Island / The Egg. Released on elpee in 1964 in the US (Blue Note, BLP-4175). Re-issued on elpee in 1973 in the US (Blue Note, BST 84175 with blue “b” label). Re-issued on elpee in 1982 in France (Blue Note, BST 84175). Re-issued on direct metal master (DMM) elpee and cassette in 1985 in the US (Blue Note, BST 84175 with blue “the finest in jazz since 1939” label). Re-released on expanded elpee, cassette and compact disc in 1991 in the US (Jazz Heritage, 912944X/312944T/512944K). Re-issued on expanded, remastered compact disc in 1999 in the US (Blue Note, 98796) as part of the The Rudy Van Gelder Edition series. Re-issued on compact disc in 2004 in Japan (Blue Note, TOCJ-6468). Re-released on expanded CD in Germany (Blue Note, 784175) with two bonus tracks. Re-packaged on 3CD with Maiden Voyage and Speak Like A Child in 2006 in the UK (EMI, 352749) as Great Sessions. Re-issued on expanded elpee on January 27, 2015 (Blue Note) with two bonus tracks. Re-packaged on expanded Blu-Ray CD in 2015 in the US (Blue Note) with Maiden Voyage. Re-issued on expanded SHMCD on September 28, 2016 in Japan (Universal, UCU-5691) and on December 14, 2016 in Japan (Universal, UCCQ-9223) with two bonus tracks.
MAIDEN VOYAGE (1965)
Maiden Voyage / Eye of The Hurricane / Little One // Survival of The Fittest / Dolphin Dance. Released on mono and stereo elpee in 1965 in the US (Blue Note, BLP 4195/BST 84195). Re-released on elpee on April 1, 1997 (Blue Note, 46339). Re-pressed on stereo elpee in the US (Blue Note, BST 84195) under Liberty Records (blue label) and Pacific Jazz (black label), in 1978 in Japan (Blue Note, GXK 8050) and in 1984 in the US (Jazz Heritage, 912789M). Re-issued on CD in 1986 in the US (Blue Note, CDP-546339). Re-released on remastered CD in the US and Japan.
BLOW-UP (1966)
Main Title “Blow Up” / Verushka, Part 1 / Verushka, Part 2 / Bring Down The Birds / The Naked Camera / Jane’s Theme / The Thief / The Kiss / Curiosity / Thomas Studies Photos / The Bed / Stroll On / End Title “Blow Up”. Released on elpee in 1966 in the US (MGM, E-4447 ST) and in 1967 in France (MGM, 665 072) with unique cover; reached #192 on the US charts. Re-issued on elpee in the US (MGM, SE-4447 ST) and in 1981 in Japan (MGM Polydor, UMF 1013). Re-released on 180g vinyl elpee in 2002 in the US (4 Men With Beards, 4M-122). Re-released on CD in 1987 in Japan (Victor, VDP-5073) and in 1992 in the US (Sony Music Special Products, AK 52418). Re-released on expanded, remastered CD with two bonus tracks (“Am I Glad To See You,” “Blow-Up”) in 1996 in the US (Rhino).
SPEAK LIKE A CHILD (1968)
Riot / Speak Like A Child / First Trip // Toys / Goodbye To Childhood / The Sorcerer. Released on elpee in 1968 in the US (Blue Note, BST 84279); reached #14 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD in 1986 in Japan (Blue Note, CP32-5219) and in 1988 in Japan (Blue Note, CJ28-5085). Re-released on remastered CD on March 1, 2005 in the US (Blue Note) and on October 23, 2013 in Japan (EMI, TYCJ-81015).
THE PRISONER (1969)
I Have A Dream / The Prisoner // Firewater / He Who Lives In Fear / Promise of The Sun. Released on elpee in 1969 in the US (Blue Note, BST 84321). Re-pressed on elpee in the US (Blue Note, BST 84321 with solid blue labels) and in 1987 in France (Blue Note, BST 84321) . Re-released on CD in 1987 (Blue Note, 46845). Re-released on remastered, expanded CD with two bonus tracks (alternate takes of “The Prisoner” and “Firewater”) on October 10, 2000 in the US (Blue Note) and on January 23, 2008 in Japan (Blue Note, TOCJ-7080).
FAT ALBERT ROTUNDA (1970)
Wiggle-Waggle / Fat Mama / Tell Me A Bedtime Story / Oh! Oh! Here He Comes // Jessica / Fat Albert Rotunda / Lil’ Brother. Released on elpee in 1970 in the US (Warner Bros./Seven Arts, ST093172); reached #15 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on elpee in 1974 (Warner Bros., 1834). Re-released on remastered CD on August 12, 1994 in the UK (Warner Bros.), on September 26, 2007 in Japan (Warner, WPCR-12751) and on September 12, 2012 in Japan (Warner, WPCR-27155).
Fat Mama
b/w Wiggle Waggle. Released on 7-inch in 1970/74? in the US (Warner Bros.).
MWANDISHI (1971)
Ostinato / You’ll Know When You Get There / Wandering Spirit Song. Released on elpee in 1971 in the US (Warner Bros., 1898); reached #16 on the US Jazz charts. Re-packaged with Fat Albert Rotunda and Crossings as Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings on 2CD on November 22, 1994 in the US (Warner Bros., 45732).
THE BEST OF HERBIE HANCOCK (1971)
Watermelon Man / Blind Man, Blind Man / King Cobra / Succotash // Maiden Voyage / Riot / I Have A Dream / He Who Lives In Fear. Compilation released on 2LP in 1971 in the US (Blue Note, BST-89907) with gatefold cover.
CROSSINGS (1972)
Sleeping Giant / Quasar / Water Torture. Released on elpee in 1972 in the US; reached #10 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on 180g vinyl elpee in the US (Warner Bros., 2617). Re-released on CD on April 4, 2001 in Germany (Warner/Benelux, 69997) and in 2006 in Japan (Bomba, BOM-24070).
Crossings (1972)
Released as promotional 7-inch single in 1972 in the US (Warner Bros., WB 7598) feat. A stereo and mono versions.
SEXTANT (1973)
Rain Dance / Hidden Shadows / Hornets. Released on elpee in 1973 in the US (Columbia, KC-32212); reached #176 on the US charts and #3 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD in 1998 (Sony, 64983).
HEAD HUNTERS (1974)
Chameleon / Watermelon Man / Sly / Vein Melter. Released on elpee in 1974 in the US (Columbia, KC-32731); reached #13 on the US charts and #1 on the US Jazz charts (RIAA certified platinum record). Re-released on digitally remastered CD in 2002 in the US (Columbia, CH-65122 super audio, 65123) and in 2006 in the UK (Sony/BMG, 0651239003 limited edition).
Chameleon (1974)
b/w ?. Released on 7-inch in 1974 in the US (Columbia); reached #42 on the US charts.
DEDICATION (1974)
Maiden Voyage / Dolphin Dance / Nobu / Cantaloupe Island. Released on elpee on July 1974 (CBS/Sony, 165). Re-released on CD in 1997 (Sony, 65461).
THRUST (1974)
Palm Grease / Actual Proof / Butterfly / Spank-A-Lee. Released on elpee on August 26, 1974 in the US (Columbia, PC-32965) and the UK (CBS, 80193); reached #13 on the US charts and #1 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD in 1998 (Sony, 64984).
Spank-A-Lee (1974)
b/w same. Released as promotional 7-inch in 1974 in the US (Columbia, 3-11094).
TREASURE CHEST (1974)
Wiggle Waggle / Tell Me A Bedtime Story / Lil’ Brother / Ostinato / Crossings // You’ll Know When You Get There / Quasar / Sleeping Giant. Compilation released on 2LP in 1974 in the US (Warner Bros., 2WS 2807) with gatefold cover; reached #158 on the US charts. Re-issued on compact disc in 2013 in the US (Wounded Bird).
DEATH WISH (1975)
Death Wish (Main Title) / Joanna’s Theme / Do A Thing / Paint Her Mouth / Rich Country / Suite Revenge / Ochoa Knose / Party People / Fill Your Hand. Released on elpee in 1975 in the US (Columbia, 33199). Re-released on CD in 1996 in the US (One Way, 26659).
HERBIE HANCOCK/FREDDIE HUBBARD/STANLEY TURRENTINE IN CONCERT VOLUME TWO (1975)
Live tracks: Hornets (Chicago version) / Interlude / Hornets (Detroit version) / Gibraltar (Detroit version). Released on elpee in April 1975 in the US (CTI, 6049).
HERBIE HANCOCK (1975)
Maiden Voyage / Empty Pockets / Cantaloupe Island / Speak Like A Child / Blind Man, Blind Man / The Prisoner / Toys / Three Bags Full / Triangle / And What If I Don’t / Goodbye To Childhood / Driftin’. Compilation released on 2LP in 1975 in the US (Blue Note, BNLA399-H2) with gatefold cover.
MAN-CHILD (1975)
Hang Up Your Hang Ups / Sun Touch / The Traitor / Bubbles / Steppin’ In It / Heartbeat. Released on elpee in 1975 in the US (Columbia, 33812); reached #21 on the US charts and #1 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD and cassette in 1991 in the US (Columbia, CK/PCT-33812). Re-released on remastered CD in 1997 in the US (Mobile Fidelity, 706).
SECRETS (1976)
Doin’ It / People Music / Cantaloupe Island / Spider / Gentle Thoughts / Swamp Rats / Sansho Shims. Released on elpee and cassette in June 1976 in the US (Columbia, PC/PCT-34280); reached #49 on the US charts and #1 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD in 1991 in the US (Columbia, CK-34280) and in 1997 in Japan (Sony, 65460).
Doin’ It (1976)
b/w same. Released as promotional 7-inch in 1976 in the US (Columbia, 1-11122). Re-released as a promotional 12-inch in 1979 in the US (Columbia, AS-684) with “Knee Deep” as the B side.
KAWAIDA (1976)
Maulana / Bakara // Kamila / Dunia / Kawaida. Released on elpee in 1976 in the UK (DJM, DJSLM-2008). Co-credited to Don Cherry.
FLOOD (1977)
Live tracks: Introduction – Maiden Voyage / Actual Proof / Spank-A-Lee / Watermelon Man / Butterfly / Chameleon / Hang Up Your Hang Ups. Released on 2LP in 1977 in Japan (Columbia).
HERBIE HANCOCK TRIO (1977)
Watch It / Speak Like A Child / Watching Waitin’ For / Look / Milestones. Released on LP in 1977 in Japan (Columbia, 650). Re-released on CD in 1997 (Sony, 65464).
V.S.O.P., VOLUME 1 (1977)
Live tracks: Piano Introduction / Maiden Voyage / Nefertiti / Introduction of Players – The Eye of The Hurricane / Toys / Introductions / You’ll Know When You Get There / Hang Up Your Hang Ups / Spider. Released on 2LP in 1977 in the US (Columbia, 34688) with gatefold cover; reached #79 on the US charts and #5 on the US Jazz charts.
V.S.O.P. THE QUINTET (1977)
Live tracks: One of A Kind / Third Plane / Jessica / Lawra / Darts / Dolores / Little Waltz / Byrdlike. Released on 2LP in 1977 in the US (Columbia, 34976). Re-released on CD in the US (Columbia, CGK-34976) and in 1997 (Sony, 65462).
V.S.O.P. TEMPEST IN THE COLOSSEUM (1977)
Live tracks: Eye of The Hurricane / Diana / Eighty-One / Maiden Voyage / Lawra / Red Clay. Released on elpee in 1977 in Japan (CBS/Sony, 23DP-5612). Re-released on CD in 1997 (Sony, 65465).
I Thought It Was You (1978)
b/w No Means Yes. Released on 12-inch in August 1978 in the UK (CBS, 12-6530); reached #15 on the UK charts.
SUNLIGHT (1978)
I Thought It Was You / Come Running To Me / Sunlight / No Means Yes / Good Question. Released on elpee in 1978 in the US (Columbia, JC-34907) and the UK (CBS, 82240); reached #27 on the UK charts.
DIRECTSTEP (1978)
Butterfly / Shiftless Shuffle / I Thought It Was You. Released on elpee on December 2, 1978 in Japan (Columbia, 36535).
You Bet Your Love (1979)
b/w Knee Deep. Released on 7-inch and green vinyl 12-inch in February 1979 in the UK (CBS, 7010/12-7010); reached #18 on the UK charts.
FEETS DON’T FAIL ME NOW (1979)
You Bet Your Love / Trust Me / Ready Or Not / Tell Everybody / Honey From The Jar / Knee Deep. Released on elpee on February 1979 in the US (Columbia, 35764) and the UK; reached #28 on the US charts and #2 on the US Jazz charts and #28 on the UK charts. Re-released on CD and cassette in 1991 in the US (Columbia, CK/PCT-35764).
Tell Everybody (1979)
b/w Honey From The Jar. Released on 12-inch in 1979 in the US (Columbia, 43 11019) and the UK (CBS, 12-7229) with “Trust Me” on the UK B side. Also released as a promotional 7-inch in 1979 in the US (Columbia, 3-11021) featuring mono version of A side on the flip.
Ready Or Not (1979)
b/w You Bet Your Love. Released as a 12-inch in 1979 in the US (Columbia, 23 10906).
V.S.O.P. – LIVE UNDER THE SKY (1979)
Released on 2LP in 1979 in Japan (Columbia, 875). Re-released on expanded edition 2CD in 2004 in the US.
AN EVENING WITH HERBIE HANCOCK AND CHICK COREA IN CONCERT (1979)
Live tracks: Someday My Prince Will Come / Liza (All The Clouds’ll Roll Away) / Button Up // Introduction of Herbie Hancock By Chick Corea / February Moment / Maiden Voyage / La Fiesta. Released on elpee in 1979 in the US (Polydor, 6238); reached #100 on the US charts and #8 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD in 1997 (Sony, 65463).
THE BEST OF HERBIE HANCOCK (1979)
Doin’ It / I Thought It Was You / Chameleon / Hang Up Your Hang Ups / You Bet Your Love / Tell Everybody. Released on elpee in 1979 (CBS, 84106). Re-released on CD and cassette on Sony (36309) with “Ready Or Not” replacing “You Bet Your Love.”
THE PIANO (1980)
My Funny Valentine / On Green Dolphin Street / Some Day My Prince Will Come / Harvest Time / Sonrisa / Manhattan Island / Blue Otani. Released on elpee in 1980 in Japan (Columbia, 1033). Re-released on CD in 1997 (Sony, 65458).
MONSTER (1980)
Saturday Night / Stars In Your Eyes / Go For It // Don’t Hold It In / Making Love / It All Comes Round. Released on elpee in 1980 in the US (Columbia, JC-36415) and the Netherlands (CBS, 84237); reached #94 on the US charts and #3 on US Jazz charts. Re-released on elpee and cassette in the US (Columbia, PC/PCT-36415). Re-released on CD in 1991 in the US (Columbia, CK-36415), in 1997 in Europe (Sony, 486571) and in 1998 in Europe (Sony, SRCS-9505).
Go For It (1980)
b/w same. Released as promotional 7-inch in 1980 in the US (Columbia, 1-11227). Also released as a promotional two-track 12-inch in 1980 in the US (Columbia, AS-751) featuring the edited and LP versions of “Go For It.”
Saturday Night (1980)
b/w Making Love. Released as a promotional 12-inch in 1980 in the US (Columbia, AS-814).
Making Love (1980)
b/w same. Released as a promotional 7-inch in 1980 in the US (Columbia, 1-11323).
HANCOCK ALLEY (1980)
Jammin’ With Herbie / Herbie’s Blues / Rock Your Soul / Scoochie / Cycles / Witch Fire. Released on elpee in 1980 (Manhattan, 5021).
HANDS (1980)
Spiraling Prism / Calypso / Just Around The Corner / 4 A.M. / Shiftless Shuffle / Textures. Released on elpee and cassette in 1980 in the US (Columbia, PC/PCT-36578); reached #117 on the US charts and #4 on the US Jazz charts.
MAGIC WINDOWS (1981)
Magic Number / Tonight’s The Night / Everybody’s Broke / Help Yourself / Satisfied With Love / Twilight Clone. Released on elpee in 1981 in the US (Columbia, FC-37387); reached #140 on the US charts and #13 on the US Jazz charts.
Everybody’s Broke (1981)
b/w same. Released as promotional 7-inch in 1981 in the US (Columbia, 18-02404). Also released as two-track promotional 12-inch in 1981 in the US (Columbia, AS-1251) featuring the edited and LP versions of “Everybody’s Broke.”
QUARTET (1982)
Well, You Needn’t / ‘Round Midnight / Clearways / Quick Sketch / Eye of The Hurricane / Parade / Sorcerer / Pee Wee / I Fall In Love Too Easily. Released on elpee in 1981 in Japan (Columbia, 22219) and in 1982 in the US (Columbia); reached #5 on the US Jazz charts in 1983. Re-released on CD and cassette in 1991 in the US (Columbia, CGK/CGT-38275).
LITE ME UP (1982)
Lite Me Up / The Bomb / Gettin’ To The Good Part / Paradise / Can’t Hide Your Love / The Fun Tracks / Motor Mouth / Give It All Your Heart. Released on elpee in 1982 in the US (Columbia, FC-37928) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 30AP-2313); reached #151 on the US charts and #10 on the US Jazz charts.
Lite Me Up (1982)
b/w Satisfied With Love (in Japan, “The Bomb”). Released on 7-inch in 1982 in the UK (CBS, 2222) and Japan (CBS/Sony, 07SP-628). Japanese 7-inch features picture sleeve. Also released on promotional 7-inch and 12-inch in 1982 in the US (Columbia, 18-02824/1413); 7-inch features same track on both sides, 12-inch features long & short versions of “Lite Me Up.”
Gettin’ To The Good Part (1982)
b/w The Fun Tracks. Released as promotional 7-inch and 12-inch in 1982 in the US (Columbia, 18-03004/AS-1504).
THIRD PLANE (1982)
Third Plane / Quiet Times / Lawra / Stella By Starlight / United Blues / Dolphin Dance. Released on elpee in 1982 in the US; reached #40 on the US Jazz charts. Re-released on CD in 1986 (Carerre, 98134).
Rockit (1983)
b/w Rockit (Instrumental). Released on 7-inch on July 1983 in the US (Columbia, 38-04054) and on three track 12-inch (feat. “You Bet Your Love” and “I Thought It Was You”) in 1983 in the UK (CBS, TA-3577); reached #71 on the US charts (RIAA certified gold record) and #8 on the UK charts. Re-released as three-track CD single in the UK (Old Gold, OG-6502). Re-released as two-track 12-inch (feat. “Mega-Mix Medley”) in the US (Columbia, 44H-06895) and as two-track 12-inch (feat. “I Thought It Was You”) in 2001 in the UK (Vinyl Junkie, VJAY-21).
FUTURE SHOCK (1983)
Rockit / Future Shock / TFS / Earth Beat / Autodrive / Rough. Released on elpee and cassette on August 1983 in the US (Columbia, FC/FCT-38814) and the UK (CBS, 450 625-1); reached #43 on the US charts and #2 on the US Jazz charts (RIAA certified platinum record) and #27 on the UK charts. Re-released on CD in the US (Columbia, CK-38814) and in 1999 in the US (Columbia Legacy, CK-65962).
Autodrive (1983)
b/w Chameleon. Released on 7-inch on October 1983 in the US (Columbia, 38-04268) and on three-track 12-inch (feat. “Autodrive (long version),” “The Bomb” and “Chameleon”) in 1983 in the UK (CBS, TA-3802); reached #33 o the UK charts.
Future Shock (1983)
b/w Earth Beat (b/w Megamix on 12-inch). Released on 7-inch and 12-inch in 1983 in the UK (CBS, A/TA-4075) with picture sleeve.
Hardrock (1984)
b/w TFS + Rockit, Megamix, Metal Beat. Released on 12-inch picture disc in 1984 in the US (Columbia, 8C8-39913) and on 7-inch in 1984 in the UK (CBS, A-4616) with picture sleeve. Also released as one-track promotional 7-inch in 1984 in the US and Canada (Columbia, 38-04565), on 12-inch (feat. two versions of “Hardrock”) in 1984 in the US (Columbia, 44-05027).
SOUND-SYSTEM (1984)
Hardrock / Metal Beat / Karabali / Junku / People Are Changing / Sound System. Released on elpee, cassette and CD in 1984 in the US (FC/PCT/CK-39478), the UK and the Netherlands (CBS, 26062) and Australia (CBS, SBP-238026); reached #71 on the US charts and #7 on the US Jazz Charts. Won Grammy Award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance. Re-released on expanded, remastered CD (feat. bonus track extended version of “Metal Beat”) in 1999 in the US (Columbia Legacy, CK-65961).
Metal Beat (1984)
b/w Karabali + Metal Beat (Extended). Released on 7-inch and 12-inch in 1984 in the US (Columbia, 38-04633/44-04637).
Mega-Mix Medley (1984)
b/w same. Released as promotional 7-inch and 12-inch in 1984 in the US (Columbia, 38-04474/44-04960).
HOT & HEAVY (1984)
Hot Piano / Live And Awake / Night Walkers / Scoochie / Cycles / Witch Fire // Jammin’ With Herbie / Herbie’s Blues / Rock Your Soul / Afro Boogie / Far Out / Hot And Heavy. Released on elpee in 1984 in the UK (Premier Records, CBR-1030). Re-released as Hot And Heavy on elpee and cassette in 1986 in the UK (Star Jazz, SJAZZ/SJAZC-4).
VILLAGE LIFE (1985)
Moon/Light / Ndan Ndan Nyaria / Early Warning / Kanatente. Released on elpee in 1985 in the Netherlands (CBS, 26397). Re-released on CD in 1992 in the US (Columbia, CK-398760). Co-credited to Foday Musa Suso.
Round Midnight (1986)
b/w Chan’s Song (Never Said). Released on 7-inch in 1986 in the UK (CBS, XPS-219) with picture sleeve.
PERFECT MACHINE (1988)
Perfect Machine / Obsession / Vibe Alive / Beat Wise / Maiden Voyage – P.Bop / Chemical Residue / Vibe Alive 2 (Extended Dance Mix) / Beat Wise 2 (12” Edit) / 13. Released on elpee in 1988 in the US (Columbia, 40025). Re-released on CD and cassette in 1991 in the US (Columbia, CK/PCT-40025) and on CD in 1999 in the US (Columbia Legacy, CK-65960).
Vibe Alive (1988)
+ Vibe Alive (Extended Dance Mix), Vibe Alive (Bonus Beats Mix), Maiden Voyage/P.Bop, Rockit. Released on 12-inch and CD single in 1988 in the US (Columbiam 44-07804) and the UK (CBS, 651432-8/9).
Beat Wise (1988)
b/w Chemical Residue + Beat Wise (versions). Released on 7-inch and four-track 12-inch in 1988 in the US (Columbia, 38-07987/44-07896). Also released as one-track promotional 7-inch and CD single in 1988 in the US (Columbia, 38-07987/1241).
THE BEST OF HERBIE HANCOCK: THE BLUE NOTE YEARS (1988)
Watermelon Man / Driftin’ / Maiden Voyage / Dolphin Dance / One Finger Snap / Cantaloupe Island / Riot / Speak Like A Child / King Cobra. Released on elpee, CD and cassette in 1988 (Blue Note, 91142).
JAZZ AFRICA (1990)
Kumbasora / Debo / Cigarette Lighter / Jimbasing. Released on CD and cassette in 1990 (Verve, 847 145).
A JAZZ COLLECTION (1991)
Liza / I Fall In Love Too Easily / Nefertiti / Someday My Prince Will Come / Round Midnight / Well You Needn’t / Parade / Eye of The Hurricane / Maiden Voyage. Compilation released on CD and cassette on March 1991 in the US (Columbia, CK/CT-46865).
THE COLLECTION (1991)
Chameleon / Watermelon Man / Maiden Voyage / I Thought I Was You / No Means Yes / You Bet Your Love / Tell Everybody / Rockit / Autodrive / Hardrock / Round Midnight. Compilation released on CD and cassette in 1991 in France (Castle, CCSCD/CCSMC-283).
A TRIBUTE TO MILES (1994)
So What (live) / RJ / Little One / Pinocchio / Elegy / Eighty One / All Blues (live). Released on CD on March 22, 1994 in the US (Qwest). Won Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance. Co-credited to Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Wallace Roney and Tony Williams.
CANTALOUPE ISLAND (1994)
Cantaloupe Island / Watermelon Man / Driftin’ / Blind Man, Blind Man / And What If I Don’t / Maiden Voyage. Compilation released on CD on June 14, 1994 in the US (Blue Note, 29331).
DIS IS DA DRUM (1995)
Call It 95 / Dis Is Da Drum / Shooz / The Melody (On The Deuce By 44) / Mojuba / Butterfly / Juju / Hump / Come And See Me / Rubber Soul / Bo Ba Be Da. Released on CD on May 23, 1995 in the US (Mercury, 522 681) and expanded CD (with two bonus remixes) in 1995 in Japan (Mercury, PHCR-1280); reached #2 on the US Jazz charts.
DIS IS DA DRUM SAMPLER (1995)
Butterfly (edit) / Bo Ba De Da (Mellow Mix edit) / Hump (edit). Released as a promotional CDEP in 1995 in the US (Mercury, 1045).
Call It (1995)
+ Call It (Count Herbula Mix), Call It (Flip Hop Mix), Dis Is Da Drum (Funky Serengeti Mix), Butterfly (Funky Backbeat Mix). Released on 12-inch in 1995 in the US (Mercury, 1188).
JAMMIN’ WITH HERBIE (1995)
Jammin’ With Herbie / Herbie’s Blues / Rock Your Soul / TCB With Herbie / Soul Power / Cat Call. Compilation released on CD and cassette in August 1995 (Prime Cuts, 2112). Re-released on CD in 2000 (Collectables, 6134).
JAZZ PORTRAIT (1995)
Rain Dance / Hidden Shadows / Hornets / Doin’ It / People Music / Cantaloupe Island / Spider / Gentle Thoughts / Swamp Rat / Sansho Shima. Released on 2CD in September 1995 (Tristar, 35248).
THE NEW STANDARD (1996)
New York Minute / Mercy Street / Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown) / When Can I See You / You’ve Got It Bad Girl / Love Is Stronger Than Pride / Scarborough Fair / Thieves In The Temple / All Apologies / Manhattan (Island of Lights And Love). Released on CD on March 5, 1996 in the US (Verve, 529 584); reached #2 on the US Jazz charts.
SELECTIONS FROM THE NEW STANDARD (1996)
New York Minute / Mercy Street / Norwegian Wood / Thieves In The Temple. Released as a promotional CDEP in 1996 in the US (Verve, 1177).
JAZZ PROFILE (1997)
Empty Pockets / Jack Rabbit / Yams / Eye of The Hurricane / Cantaloupe Island / The Sorcerer / I Have A Dream. Compilation released on CD in 1997 (Capitol, 54904B).
1 + 1 (1997)
Meridianne – A Wood Sylph / Aung San Suu Kyi / Sonrisa / Memory of Enchantment / Visitor From Nowhere / Joanna’s Theme / Diana / Visitor From Somewhere / Manhattan Lorelei / Hale-Bopp Hip-Hop. Released on CD in 1997 in the US (Verve, 537 564); reached #2 on the US Jazz charts.
THIS IS JAZZ, VOLUME 35 (1998)
The Sorcerer / Gentle Thoughts / Actual Proof / Peacocks / Calypso / Maiden Voyage. Compilation released on CD on April 1988 (Sony, 65051).
GERSHWIN’S WORLD (1998)
Overture (Fascinating Rhythm) . It Ain’t Necessarily So / Man I Love / Here Come De Honey Man / St.Louis Blues / Lullaby / Blueberry Rhyme / It Ain’t Necessarily So (Interlude) / Cotton Tail / Summertime / My Man’s Gone Now / Prelude In C Sharp Minor / Concerto For Piano And Orchestra in G / Embraceable You / Someone To Watch Over Me. Released on CD on August 1998 (Polygram, 557 797); reached #1 on the US Jazz charts. Re-charted to #10 on the US Jazz charts in 2000.
THE COMPLETE BLUE NOTE SIXTIES SESSIONS (1998)
Three Wishes / Empty Pockets / Empty Pockets (alternate take) / Thee Bags Full / Three Bags Full (alternate take) / Watermelon Man / Watermelon Man (alternate take) / Maze / Driftin’ / Alone And I / Yams / Tribute To Someone / King Cobra / Blind Man, Blind Man / Blind Man, Blind Man (alternate take) / Pleasure Is Mine / And What If I Don’t / Succotash / Triangle / Mimosa (alternate take) / Mimosa / Jump Ahead / Jack Rabbit / Oliloqui Valley (alternate take) / One Finger Snap / Cantaloupe Island / Egg / One Finger Snap (alternate take) / Oliloqui Valley / Maiden Voyage / Eye of The Hurricane / Dolphin Dance / Survival of The Fittest / Little One / Collector / Maiden Voyage / Theme From Blow-Up / Riot (4:52 version) / Riot (4:38 version) / Riot (4:36 version) / Speak Like A Child / First Trip / Goodbye To Childhood (alternate take) / Goodbye To Childhood / Sorcerer / Toys / The Prisoner (alternate take) / The Prisoner / He Who Lives In Fear / I have A Dream / Firewater / Firewater (alternate take) / Promise of The Sun / Don’t Even Go There. Compilation released on remastered 6CD box set on November 3, 1998 in the US (Blue Note, 95569).
LES INCONTOURNABLES (1999)
Cantaloupe Island / Oh! Oh! Here He Comes / Einbahnstrasse / Wiggle-Waggle / Wall To Wall / Fat Albert Rtunda / Infinite Search / Lil’ Brother / Isotope / Jessica / Other Side. Compilation released on CD on February 26, 1999 in France (WEA International, 35852).
RIOT: THE NEWLY DISCOVERED TAKES FROM BLUE NOTE SIXTIES SESSIONS (1999)
Riot (First Alternate Take) / Riot (Second Alternate Take) / Blind Man, Blind Man (Alternate Take) / Mimosa (Alternate Take) / Goodbye To Childhood (Alternate Take) / The Prisoner (Alternate Take) / Firewater (Alternate Take). Released on CD on April 13, 1999 in Japan (Blue Note, 66021).
BACKTRACKS (1999)
Watermelon Man / Take Five / Cast Your Fate To The Wind / Bossa Nova / Gravy Waltz / Exodus / Back At The Chicken Shack / Walk On The Wild Side / Manulana / Rock Your Soul / Kamili / Bunia / Hot Piano / One & Awake / Jammin’ With Herbie. Released on CD on October 12, 1999 (Renaissance, 613). Co-credited to Quincy Jones.
THE BEST OF HERBIE HANCOCK: THE HITS! (2000)
Chameleon / Watermelon Man / I Thought It Was You / You Bet Your Love / Ready Or Not / Stars In Your Eyes / Saturday Night / Satisfied With Love / Rockit. Compilation released on CD on February 8, 2000 in the US (Columbia Legecy, CK-65963).
NIGHT WALKER (2000)
Nightwalker / Live And Awake / Scoochie / Witch Fire / Afro Boogie / Far Out / Hot And Heavy / Herbie’s Blue / T.C.B. With Herbie / Soul Power. Compilation released on CD and cassette on July 3, 2000 (Direct Source, 6199).
KEN BURNS JAZZ (2000)
Watermelon Man / Cantaloupe Island / Maiden Voyage / Speak Like A Child / Tell Me A Bedtime Story / Chameleon / Actual Proof / Rockit / You’ve Got It Bad Girl. Compilation released on CD on November 7, 2000 in the US (Columbia Legacy, CK-61446).
PORTRAIT (2000)
Sorcerer / Gentle Thoughts / Actual Proof / Peacocks / Calypso / Maiden Voyage. Compilation released on CD on November 28, 2000 (Sony International, 497879).
FUTURE 2 FUTURE (2001)
Wisdom / The Essence / This Is Rob Swift / Black Gravity / Be Still / Tony Williams / Quebero / Ionosfair / Alphabeta / Virtual Hornets / Hebero (Part II). Released on 2LP on July 25, 2001 in the UK (Transparent, HERBIELP-1) and the US; reached #2 on the US jazz charts. Also released as expanded CD in 2001 in Japan (JVC Victor) with bonus track “The Essence (DJ Crush Remix).” Re-released on expanded 2CD with bonus disc (The Essence Mixes) in the UK (Universal, HERBIECD-1).
The Essence (2001)
+ The Essence (DJ Crush Remix), Be Still. Released as promotional CD single in 2001 in Japan (Victor, CDS-1108).
DAY DREAMS (2002)
Day Dreams / Kamili / Curro’s / Herbie’s Blues / It’s A Beautiful Evening / Rock Your Soul / One & Awake / Hot Piano / Jammin’ With Herbie / Witchfire / Nightwalkers. Compilation released on CD on June 4, 2002 in the US (Prism, 753).
DIRECTIONS IN MUSIC: LIVE AT MASSEY HALL (2002)
Live tracks: The Sorcerer / The Poet / So What – Impressions / Misstery / Naima / Transition / My Ship / D Trane. Released on CD on June 11, 2002 in the US; reached #2 on the US Jazz charts. Co-credited to Michael Brecker and Roy Hargrove.
THE HERBIE HANCOCK BOX (2002)
Introduction To Maiden Voyage / Maiden Voyage / Para Oriente / Harvest Time / The Sorcerer / Diana / Finger Painting / ’Round Midnight / Eye of The Hurricane // Domo / Dolphin Dance / Liza (All The Clouds’ll Roll Away) / Eighty-One / Milestone / Stella By Starlight – On Green Dolphin Street / Red Clay // Rain Dance / Watermelon Man / Butterfly / Death Wish (Main Title) / Actual Proof / Sun Touch / 4 A.M. / Come Running To Me / People Music // Chameleon / Stars In Your Eyes / Rockit / Calypso / Satisified With Love / Karabali / Spider / Nobu / Maiden Voyage – P. Bop. Compilation released as 4CD box set on October 1, 2002 in the US (Columbia, AC4K-64978).
Rockit 2002 (2002)
+ Be Still, The Essence (Cosmic Ritual Mix), The Essence (Sacred Opus Mix). Released as two-track 12-inch in 2002 in the US (Transparent, 500211). Also released as four-track promotional CD single in 2002 in Japan (Victor, VICP-35073).
ESSENTIAL HERBIE HANCOCK (2003)
Watermelon Man / Driftin’ / Maiden Voyage / Dolphin Dance / One Fniger Snap / Cantaloupe Island / Riot / Speak Like A Child / King Cobra. Compilation released on CD on March 24, 2003 in the US (EMI).
BLUE NOTE YEARS V2.0 (2004)
Watermelon Man/ Eye of The Hurricane / Cantaloupe Island / Maiden Voyage / Blind Man, Blind Man / Speak Like A Child / Succotash / One Finger Snap / Riot / I Have A Dream. Compilation released on CD on March 1, 2004 in the US (Blue Note).
JAZZ MOODS: ‘ROUND MIDNIGHT (2004)
On Green Dolphin Street / ‘Round Midnight / Minuit Aux Champs Elysees / Look / Circle / Harvest Time / Pee Wee / Someday My Prince Will Come / Little One / Chan’s Song (Never Said) / My Funny Valentine. Released on CD on June 15, 2004 in the US (Legacy, 90691).
ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK: THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR (2004)
Revolution / The Spook Who Sat By The Door (Reprise) / Revenge / At The Lounge / Training Day / The Stick Up / Main Theme / Underground / The Spook Who Sat By The Door / The Big Rip Off / Recruiting / The Pick Up / It Begins / Dialog. Released on elpee in 2004 in the US (UAR, UAR-7370).
POSSIBILITIES (2005)
Stitched Up / Safiatou / A Song For You / I Do It For Your Love / Hush, Hush, Hush / Sister Moon / When Love Comes To Town / Don’t Explain / I Just Called To Say I Love You / Gelo No Montana. Released on CD in 2005 in the UK (Rhino, 10111) and the US; reached #22 on the US charts and #1 on the US Jazz charts.
THE ESSENTIAL (2006)
Watermelon Man / ’Round Midnight / Cantaloupe Island / Maiden Voyage / Circle / The Sorcerer / Tell Me A Bedtime Story / Hidden Shadows / Chameleon / Joanna’s Theme // Butterfly / People Music / Milestones / 4 A.M. / Come Running To Me / Finger Painting / Stars In Your Eyes / Rockit / St. Louis Blues / Manhattan. Released on 2CD in 2006 in the UK (Sony/BMG, 94593).
JAZZ TO FUNK (2006)
Maulana / Baraka – Kamli / Kawanda / Dunia // Witch Fire / Jammin’ With Herbie / Herbie’s Blues / Rock Your Soul / Hot Piano / Smoochie / Live And Awake / Night Walker / Afro Boogie / Far Out / Hot And Heavy. Compilation released on 2CD on 2006 in Australia (AIM, AIM-1604CD).
RIVER: THE JONI LETTERS (2007)
Court And Spark / Edith And The Kingpin / Both Sides Now / River / Sweet Bird / The Tea Leaf Prophecy (Lay Down Your Arms) / Solitude / Amelia / Nefertiti / The Jungle Line. Released on CD on September 25, 2007 in the US (Verve); reached #5 on the US charts and #1 on the US Jazz charts. Won Grammy Award for Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 2008.
THEN AND NOW: THE DEFINITIVE HERBIE HANCOCK (2008)
Maiden Voyage / Cantaloupe Island / Wiggle-Waggle / Chameleon (edit) / St.Louis Blues / Chan’s Song (Never Said) / River / Don’t Explain / All Apologies / Watermelon Man / Rockit (Live) / River (Live). Released on CD on September 23, 2008 in the US (Verve); reached #8 on the US Jazz charts.
LATE NIGHT JAZZ FAVORITES (2010)
Live And Awake / Witch Fire / Cat Call / Scoochie / Hot Piano / Mr.Lucky (Rock Your Soul) / Herbie’s Blues / Jammin’ With Herbie / Daydream (Soul Power) / Afro Boogie / Far Out / Hot And Heavy. Compilation released on CD on February 9, 2010 in the US (Cleopatra).
