Search - Herbie Hancock :: Speak Like a Child

Hancock's second classic Blue Note album

Dennis W. Wong | 06/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I know one reviewed knocked one star off this classic album because it wasn't as great as "Maiden Voyage" but I'm still giving it 5 stars because it holds its own as great chamber jazz. I think Herbie accomplished his goal of creating an album that could come off as an "easy listening jazz side" or an orchestra jazz piece like Gil Evans (definitely an influence on Herbie). Another influence you hear throughout this wonderful album is Bill Evans particularly in his "Goodbye to Childhood" tracks. Maybe this lacks a Freddie Hubbard or George Coleman or the dynamics of Tony Williams who would've been too over-powering (Mickey Roker does fine here) but Herbie's intent is to focus on the music and not the soloing though he contributes a fine solo on the un-issued take of "Goodbye to Childhood". For all who are romantics at heart, this album is an antidote to the so-called New Age Music--relish it at your will!!"