Description
Herbie Hancock – Crossings – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Crossings is an album by jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock, released in 1972. It was the second album with his group the Mwandishi Band, a sextet that played a significant role in Hancock’s exploration of electronic jazz fusion. This period in Hancock’s career marked a shift from his earlier, more traditional jazz recordings to more experimental sounds, blending jazz with electronic music and elements of funk.
Crossings consists of just three tracks, but each is a rich, expansive composition that explores a variety of textures and sounds, demonstrating Hancock’s willingness to push the boundaries of jazz. The album features Hancock on piano and Fender Rhodes, and he is joined by notable players such as Bennie Maupin on reeds, Eddie Henderson on trumpet, Julian Priester on trombone, Buster Williams on bass, and Billy Hart on drums. Additionally, Patrick Gleeson adds significant electronic flourishes using an ARP synthesizer, which was relatively new at the time and added a futuristic layer to the jazz foundation.
Key Tracks and Themes
“Sleeping Giant” – This is a multi-part suite that opens the album. It’s a complex amalgamation of funk grooves, avant-garde jazz, and electronic effects, showing the band’s ability to synthesize diverse musical elements into a cohesive whole.
“Quasar” – Composed by Maupin, “Quasar” utilizes the ARP synthesizer extensively, creating a space-like, ethereal atmosphere. The piece is an experimental exploration of sound, with free jazz elements intertwined with electronic music.
“Water Torture” – Composed by Priester, this track is a more reflective, less dense composition compared to the rest of the album. It’s characterized by its ambient, open texture and subtle interplay between acoustic and electronic sounds.
Crossings was produced during a time when jazz musicians were increasingly incorporating electronic instruments and effects into their work. Hancock’s use of the ARP synthesizer on this album was pioneering, particularly in a jazz context, and helped set the stage for many future developments in fusion and electronic music.
The production quality of Crossings is noted for its clarity and depth, capturing the dynamic range of the ensemble while also giving space to the electronic textures that give the album its distinctive character.
Upon its release, Crossings was well-received by those who appreciated its innovative approach, though it was perhaps too avant-garde for some traditional jazz listeners. Over time, it has come to be seen as a seminal album in the fusion genre, highly regarded for its forward-thinking approach and the high level of musicianship of its contributors.
The album has influenced a wide array of musicians, from jazz and fusion to electronic music artists. “Crossings” is a testament to Hancock’s genius and his fearless approach to music-making, demonstrating his ability to continuously evolve and reshape the boundaries of jazz. This album, along with others from the Mwandishi period, represents a significant chapter in Hancock’s illustrious career, highlighting a time of great creativity and experimentation.
180 gram audiophile vinyl pressing
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Gatefold Jacket
Track Listing
Sleeping Giant
Quasar
Water Torture
