Herbie Hancock - Takin' Off (Blue Note Classic)

On his 1962 debut album Takin’ Off, jazz legend 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 6-song album consisting entirely of his own compositions from the funky hit “Watermelon Man” to the timeless ballad “Alone and I.”

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on heavyweight vinyl at Optimal in 2022. Made in Germany.

TRACKLISTING:

1. Watermelon Man
2. Three Bags Full
3. Empty Pockets
4. The Maze
5. Driftin'
6. Alone And I