Takin' Off

Herbie Hancock

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 28, 1996)
• Original Release Date: 1962
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Blue Note Records
• ASIN: B000005H3A
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #138,868 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential recording

In some respects Herbie Hancock's first recording as a leader typifies the hard-bop/funk of many late-'50s/early-'60s Blue Note productions (notably Horace Silver's tight-knit group). At the same time, Hancock's lyrical bent and pliable comping point toward the greater abstraction and open-ended, chamber dimensions to come. Blue Note's splendid remastering brings the underrated bassist Butch Warren's bedrock sonority into focus, while Dexter Gordon's laconic virility meshes surprisingly well with the pianist's quicksilver palette. And for those who want to hear the original, unadulterated version of Hancock's earliest signature composition "Watermelon Man," look no further. The disc is rounded out by additional, previously unissued alternate takes. --Jed Distler

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Underrated, February 24, 2004

By	john delacenserie (green bay, wi United States) - See all my reviews

Jazz can be a very personal or subjective form of music. To me Takin' Off by Herbie Hancock is one of the best examples of early 1960's music. Other jazz classics of this time period are generally driven by the trumpet and alto sax. Takin' Off features no less than Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, Butch Warren, and Billy Higgins. But it is Hancock who is in charge of tempo and mood.

The result is an album of grace, character and soul. Watermelon Man, Empty Pockets and Driftin' are Hancock classics but all six original songs and the three alternate takes are first rate.

All of this was done by Hancock at age 22. No wonder he was able to easily move on to other, more understated forms of Jazz so easily (Maiden Voyage).

Takin' Off is very underrated and a worthy addition to any collection.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All-Star Lineup Makes this a Sure Thing, July 22, 2002

By	Aaron Pikcilingis "ajpikc" (Somerville, MA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With the personnel on this recording I can't imagine it not satisfying the needs of any jazz listener.
"Takin' Off" makes a big addition to a well-seasoned jazz collection or a great starting-point for those just starting off.

The natural sound of the horns and the rhythm section together makes this one of my favorite acoustic jazz albums of all time. Freddie Hubbard is nothing short of perfect. His clean sound and virtuosity blend perfectly with Dexter Gordon, Herbie, and the rest of the gang.

I highly recommend "Takin' Off" for anyone. It is accessible to those who may have limited interest in jazz yet complex enough to keep jazz enthusiasts engaged.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An impressive work by Herbie Hancock, October 25, 2000

By	historyone (Republic of Texas, USA) - See all my reviews

This is Herbie Hancock's first recording as a leader and it is impressive to say the least. From "Watermelon Man" to the alternate take of "Empty Pockets", Hancock shows listeners why he is considered one of the giants of Jazz. He shows his unique style on this 1962 album (CD), and just to think, he just got started! In a few years, he would join Miles Davis and become a member of one of the most famous quintets in Jazz History. It is easily apparent to see why Miles Davis was impressed with Hancock, and that itself was a difficult task, since Davis was very selective in who he wanted in his group. "Watermelon Man" is a selection that is just as fresh today as when it was first recorded 38 years ago, and the other works on this album (CD) are just as outstanding.

Highly recommended to all Jazz enthusiasts, it is well worth 5 stars (and more).