Maiden Voyage (The Rudy Van Gelder Edition)

Herbie Hancock reaffirmed his importance in modern Jazz history with this stunning album. Hancock always is a pioneer of Jazz music, and this album takes him to another level of Piano brilliance. Using outstanding musicians as backup compliments this album. With Trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and Saxophonist George Colman, Hancock explores each and every song on here with different rythmic spacing, and musical influences from Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman and even Art Blakey. Hancock isn't afraid to go for a new sound and we are all gratefull to this Jazz pioneer. From "Maiden Voyage" to "Dolphin Dance" each and every song on this album (CD) is a delight to listen too. Blue Note recordings did an excellent job of letting Hancock explore and the Jazz world is gratefull for it. Highly recommended!

This is probably the best album Hancock released during his years with Blue Note Records. Hancock had been playing with Miles Davis' Group at the time and the influence comes through on this album with Hancock being more experimental than before. While this did not contain any hit tracks such as "Cantaloupe Island" or "Watermelon Man" it is a classic album that captures Hancock at his finest as a leader, soloist and composer. One of Hancock's finest recordings. rated 5 stars by the All music guide to jazz. also awarded the symbol of merit by the Penguin Guide to jazz. This is essential in every jazz collection, inventive and challenging enough for the long time jazz collector but light and enjoyable for a new fan.

I'll admit to being more partial to EMPYREAN ISLES, but that's personal preference. This album is just as exciting and fulfilling in its own way. The ensemble playing is fantastic, with everyone complementing each other in a way that's rarely heard. All the tracks hang together very well, too. I find this album best for lazing around the home, or driving long distances - it puts me in a restful happy state of mind. If you're new to the jazz of Herbie Hancock, this album (or, perhaps BEST OF THE BLUE NOTE YEARS) should probably be your first purchase.

Herbie Hancock is A Great Musician.this is a timeless Disc.The Band Sounds Great All the way through.Herbie Hancock is A Genius.The Depth&CHemistry is Strong Here.

Hancock took time off from Miles Davis' great mid-60's quintet to produce this timeless masterpiece, still sounding every bit as fresh as in 1965. While Miles and Coltrane at the time were exploring new levels of intensity, Hancock slowed things considerably down, at times being so cool it almost hurts. The sea-imagery is very evocative, with Tony Williams' shimmering cymbals providing an ocean of their own. George Coleman never really hit it off with Miles, but his gently lyrical playing works fine here as does Freddie Hubbard's more virile approach. I have not heard this remastered edition, but even the original cd-version sounded great.