Fast Focus - Herbie Hancock 'River:The Joni Letters'

[babamuna66]

Good? OK, if you're a fan. But the Grammy for Album of the Year? Nope.

[focas777]

La musique adoucit le mœurs parfois... quand j'écoute ça je veux bien le croire.

[22munchable]

A master of his craft. Producing music that transcends all age groups, gender and race. What a pleasure.

[popcornwbutter]

It's his heart that keeps him so young looking. He's a truly wonderful person.

[PinkPrism008]

The best musicians ever but these are all Joni's songs and to be honest she is the

only one who can sing them so well. These other "great singers" don't hold a candle

to her. The fact these musicians are jamming for this shows the respect for Joni.

She is the best.

[madpickin26]

Am I the only one who actually likes Joni Mitchel's voice better NOW than from the sixties?

[felinorampante]

Un gran homenaje la más hermosa voz del jazz, folck, rock. Una creadora muchas veces incomprendida por su sofisticación y exquisito sentido estético. Joni es única por siempre

[39chibichan76]

most black people age slower than any other race it has something to do with the Melanin in the skin he looks great to be 67

[4120Wade]

Is Herbie getting his blood changed annually in Switzerland? How can he be 67 and look that young? Goat gland implants?

[ignaciomoran]

@4120Wade

Ever realize misic makes you young? Think about it.

[Simbai69]

Nam Myoho Renge Kyo

[mihmus]

@4120Wade Why he is so young? You don't know?? HE is GOD!

[onekinkstar]

@4120Wade, Herbie was born in 1940 and will be 71 years old in April . . .

[rdeklein2]

It can't get much better than this. It is out of this world, so good. And difficult to pinpoint what it is. For me, the compositions of Herbie and the choice of the vocalists. I mean Tina Turner could sing but on this records she surpasses herself.

Made with love and appreciated by everyone I share this with.

[dylanwildlevel]

Two questions:

1) Will Herbie Hancock ever physically age?

2) Will Herbie Hancock ever stop being awesome?

[KisatheCool]

@dylanwildlevel i believe it is no for both :o

[megadethster]

@dylanwildlevel answer to both questions are "NO"

lol

[liquidplastic62]

@dylanwildlevel No and No!

[ggevor1]

@dylanwildlevel no to both questions

[popcornwbutter]

@dylanwildlevel it's his heart that keeps him so young.

[rag4k]

Wouldn't it be great if Herbie and Ronald Jenkees collaborated on something? I think it would be awesome!

[Surlamontaigne]

This was not live in studio? Obviously not--the singers aren't there so they must have come in after the instrumental tracks were laid down. Disappointed...

[Streamline09]

Surlamontaigne, it's also possible that the musicians came in after the singers laid the tracks off a basic instrumentals. Ex. In the Tea Leaf Prophecy, Wayne "laughs" on sax after Joni sings "...laughin' 'round the radio..." It seems unlikely he would have adlibbed like that unless he heard the lyrics first. Perhaps he knew them and played it in advance. Who knows, but I doubt it. Still, though it sounds good now, I agree that it would have been interesting to hear the difference.

[lioolaa]

Precioso... suena increible!

[calleclarinett]

just beautiful music

[LautaroPiano]

Admiración.

[loren1283]

Ok, lets set the record straight. This is a Brilliant album and Herbie plays so great on it. Just put it on and listen to it from start to finnish and you will LOVE it.

[kukenimunnen]

Good to hear. Maybe one could shave the nutsack to those fine tunes?

[swordbellums]

no complaining, go make your own music if you're disappointed

[brideshead1921]

this is an excellent album period. it's got jazz, blues, country. awesome music!

[isaiahangelo]

Ok...everytime Herbie go to do something noteworthy with pop music by putting it into the jazz vernacular he gets flack from his own community. First of all...Jazz music at its height was nothing but the pop music of its day. Secondly standards have to be reappropriated for the current day...you can't keep doing tunes from 1940's-1960's. You have to find the good stuff of today and do something different with it. If anything this is a treatise on how to properly play ballad feel

[Saxman11290]

beautiful... i completely agree. Long live good music

[kanermatt]

"Jazz music at its height was nothing but the pop music of its day" what the hell are you talking about? Do you think that the played Miles Davis's ESP alongside a Hard Day's Night? ...they were intended and are still intended for very very different audiences/listening experiences.

[isaiahangelo]

Most of what we called standards are based on songs from musicals which were for their time which was the 1930's and 1940's, the popular music of the day. It wasn't until the Bebop movement started by Gillespie, Parker, and Davis that Jazz became a so-called "art music"

[pabslondon]

isaiahangelo said 'Jazz music at its height'. ESP was not recorded when Jazz was at it's height. In fact Miles wasn't even playing professionally when Jazz was at it's height in the 20's 30's and 40's.

[warriorprince1010]

Complete nonsense.

[marcusvee]

Herbie is a Musical Chameleon (no pun intended). Could possibly be his greatest acheivement. Stop looking to critique this album & listen the master musician playing the master poets unique material. Have U

noticed U rarely see any female performer who has the facility to cover Joni Mitchell's genius, her phrasing,

poetry & intricacy makes it almost impossible. Joni ended up singing on this record. Herbie may have run out of available female singers to do her justice.

[abzs2k]

In all fairness, to the critics of this album, what I hear on this video sounds more like acoustic soul than jazz. Maybe the reason for some of their discontent. And while I have no problem with accoustic soul, when I see Hancock and Shorter in the same band I expect to hear Speak No Evil or something of that calibre.

[dotdadee]

Why put a label on it? This is good music, period. If you don't like it, no problem. Speak No Evil is 40 years old. Herbie is diverse enough that he can and will play all types of styles and if there is improvisation in the music, like it or not, it's jazz. Wayne shorter is now playing avante garde music with Brian Blade on drums. So what? Until an artist comes around and again plays what you like, listen to what you DO like from their body of work.

[JonP1961]

@abzs2k

some of it is. then again, that chord @ 0:34 (hope i got it right, YouTube has an off-by-one-or-two error sometimes, look for it @ 35 ;) is about as jazz as jazz gets.

Herbie just one of a breed of those special musical talents that's in the game for a totally different set of reasons. He gets it... and he gives it... What more could I, as a listener, ask for, let alone expect from him? I go in fresh each time, no expectations, and he just takes me 'there'

[Pasto75015]

This is a great record. I am a total fan of Joni and Herbie (a lots of records of both of them in my CD's).

Thanks for the video !

[vaughnsalem]

I am big Joni Mitchell guy,she is great ,Herbie is legend just like Joni ,pure legends

[Saxyman14]

Herbie is a legend like no one else.

[riccardino23]

riccardino23 - playlist classic and jazz music - good view and listen to

[WuSchell]

They play like they're asleep.

Sorry but for one who knows all of the blue note records and most of the solo stuff of these guys i am not really impressed by this performance and the CD

[Chefpvr]

dude VINNIE!!! he plays with jeff beck all the time. All of these guys are wonderful musicians.

[maxohpne]

lionel loueke plays with a godin guitar, this is a stuff from quebec :D

[floatingworld]

I just saw him in concert tonight. It was a good show!

[7h17157h3w4y]

Yeh, I was there. It was awesome.

[FlashFace]

Genius.

[leroymoneyman]

He needs to switch pianos, that Faziolo doesn't sound as nice as a Steinway.

[jameslanni]

grow some ears

[Saxyman14]

Listen to it on all his other projects and you'll change your mind - Directions in Music, more specifically.

[osso2]

?? it sounds awsome!!

[MissyD66]

i love herbie xD

[dddDaAnnn]

/watch?v=TR5b0Eryr1U

[tomer1224]

Herbie Hancock can to saskatoon to the Jazz Festavel before the CD was released. I think he wanted to be there to find some stuff out about Joni Michell. I miss the show due to finals, man I hated that. If he wanted to know more about Joni's history, he should have came to Maidstone, when she was really young she stayed there before moving to Saskatoon, then again her family did move alot.

[jasongogal]

I saw him at the jazz fest in Saskatoon. The whole Joni Mitchell/Saskatoon thing isn't really that big of a deal.

[solredoc]

hi! i'm searching people for going to his concert in Perugia (Italia) in july, contact me at my profile thank you!

[zedek3147]

Dude, I am so humbled by Herbie it's amazing. Congrats Herb, you fucking deserve it. Headhunter # 1 baby.

[rightful8912]

corinne bailey rae is absolutely amazing!

[mtnmanvt]

Wow! Just Wow!!

[Ilikeyouall]

omg,corinne bailey rae's voice is getting better and better

[godswiph]

ridiculously humble.

[comi88888888]

Superb - 5 decades of stellar jazz and respectable quality of music for the ages. ...our ages.

[berrygoodstuff]

outstanding - Joanie and Corrine Bailey Rae.

[dotdadee]

I can't stop listening to this CD.

[bennettrjb]

Divine.

[Morphmutt]

Bought the album and it's outstanding; most deserving of the Grammy! Herbie is amazing! Question: Do the other artists that sang on this album also get a Grammy for their contribution?

[rukiya23]

Yes, all the artists that sang on this album will get a Grammy.

[thebetterhalf37]

if im not mistaken anyone who had anything to do with the recording will.

[Goshogirl]

Go Herbie and Tina! Nam myoho renge kyo Nam myoho renge kyo Nam myoho renge kyo

[JoeMarklin]

Herbie is God

[dwreck776]

Finally! Herbie Hancock is deserving of this award. Thanks for helping me grow up musically, Mr. Hancock!

[DrRobDammet]

Winehouse obviously deserved the recognition she received, but nothing else jumped out in terms of SONGS. Herbie and Joni win by default.

Joni's catalogue is so deep and meaningful that new music suffers in comparison, with its lyrical emphasis on possesions, self-promotion, and money.

Highlights of the Grammys were, for me, the Beatles tribute, Alecia Keys, album of the year and the "Emperor has no clothes" aspect of everything else.

[DrRobDammet]

Grammys have become a popularity/sales award. This years Best Album was a welcome suprise, an anomaly, as Joni's music has always been, defying category, genre and popular taste.

[Raymantico]

I love Herbie--saw his original Headhunters show in the seventies.

Also have seen in concert and loved Joni and I dig all the guest stars at least somewhat.

But no way this is the best record of the year.

It ain't Herbie's best either.

Like a lifetime achievement award for Herbie and Joni, for what is a glorified various artists pay tribute to a great artist record.

Kanye has gone from "don't like" to "dislike" in my book.

Like the rest the award should have gone to Amy Winehouse. Get hip.

[josephmiller44]

Herbie has been an amazement since he was a child... he has small hands and wasn't a good baseball player so he practiced piano. His mother thought he had talent and took him to the best teacher in Chicago. His Dad was a butcher so they struggled to make this all happen. Herbie soloed with the Chicago Philharmonic when he was only 11 years old. His talent and good judgement in music has always been a great gift. This year he put music back into the music. Bravo Herbie, your friend, Joe

[guaracheitor]

Thanks to the real music! Thx to Herbie Hancock! Thx to the great Joni!

[PDC50]

He is wrong when he says jazz musicians don't pay attention to the words.The great ballad and tune players did.Lester Young,Dexter Gordon,Stan Getz,Paul Desmond,Ben Webster,..the list goes on and on.I am kind of shocked with Herbie saying this.But , I am so happy he won the Grammy! Bravo!

[Sorenman]

I heard once that Benny Goodman used to mumble the lyrics to his songs just before counting his band off in performances so he could get a feel for the tempo. No one in the band knew what he was doing, so they all thought he was talking to himself and going crazy.

Dude, it pwns so hard that this actually won best album! And just when lots of people were complaining about the Grammys selling out, too.

[PDC50]

I am a jazz musician.I learn the medoldies,chords,form and text to tunes i do.i also say the text before and during the tunes I play.Did you ever see the film"Round Midnight"? In it Dexter Gordon is stumped on a tune and it's not because he forgot the notes..it's because he forgot the words.Then his friend tells him the words and he remembers the tune.

[ffgutcheck]

I don't think he mean what you took from it. He said he was an 'ignorant jazz musician' and didn't pay attention to the words when everyone else does. Everyone else being all other jazz musicians. I think it was self-deprecating humor on his part to discuss his tendency to look at textures and harmony over words...

[jetzine00]

Herbie is right. While it's true that the great ballad players WERE conscious of lyricism, the reality is that most jazz musicians are not. Ignorant is perhaps not as good a word in this context as, say, narrow-minded. As jazz players, we're too busy nutting over Chris Potter's harmonic vocabulary to realize that we're only playing for ourselves. "River" is the first jazz album to win a grammy since "Getz/Gilberto" because it actually concerns itself with an audience.

[josephmiller44]

Herbie didn't speak for jazz musicians ... just for himself... He said "I" didn't listen to the words....in the past... and therefore this was a particular challenge to him... so you shouldn't be shocked... he speaks for himself and is always very careful with his words... you've just misquoted him... by saying he speaks for all jazz musicians... of course he wouldn't say that... and didn't

[berrygoodstuff]

I'm so excited Herbie won!!! 43 years and he broke the mold!

[aero87xo]

cangrats!

but.. i have to do a report on you, herbie.. so i betta go lol.

[vicknew]

Joni's got to be thrilled with both album and grammy win-way to go!

[pennyfritz]

Herbie...way to go!

congrats!

[EQ9399S]

Congratulations to this Jazz All-Star album being the best album of the 50th Grammy Awards. So well deserved! The global music industry looks so promising!

[hhn1000]

I wish this signalled a turn away from musicians with little talent or skill...but not likely.

[monster0129]

LOL! I know what you mean.

[Bozo379]

The world would be a lesser place without Joni, or Herbie for that matter. Go Joni!

[GnomieBear]

This is a beautiful interview with a brilliant man. I am so happy that he won the Grammy. truly SWEET!

[lancitos]

Many years ago,Joni Mitchell herself shocked

the music world by winning for "Turbulent

Indigo",an excellent CD.

So,this shouldn't surprise anyone.Because Joni

has a great many fans and those who respect her music,and always vote for her.She's had

a musical relationship with Herbie for years,

and he toured with her for the "Both Sides Now" tour. Amy Winehouse will be nowhere in a few years.If that's talent,give me any Joni,

all day, any day.

[mkopeikin]

Herbie winning tonight gives hope to jazz musicians. right on.

[lancitos]

Congrats to Herbie and Joni for the HUGE win.

I've heard this CD,and it's good.But for the REAL music,NOBODY does it like Joni,and Herbie

knows this.Joni's versions of "Edith and the

Kingpin" (both studio or live)are masterpieces. Her "River" is simply heartbreaking.Some of Joni's forays into jazz

( Moon at the Window,Dry Cleaner from Des Moines,Blue Motel Room,Hissing of Summer Lawns,etc.) are excellent."Shades of Scarlett

Conquering",more orchestral,is perfection.

[Diamondsrfvr]

Totally agree with you: No one can write lyrics or music like Joni!("Edith & the Kingpin" is just sublime.) For that manner, no one can sing or play guitar/piano like her either. She's a one-of-a kind creative genius, there is no one else like her...Congrats to Herbie for his 2 Grammy's & to Joni for her pop instrumental Grammy!

[dariustimmer]

Haha, only Herbie can give Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Vinnie and Loueke a call just to join for a Joni Mitchell album featuring a bunch of singing stars. All star cast!! Great stuff.

[JonesyJackson]

The greatest musician in the house won the biggest award of the night. I was just watching some of his vids yesterday, Rockit and a version of Cantaloupe Island, and a synth demo on Sesame Street from all those years ago.... I didn't even know he was nominated for anything tonight.

Kanye... Amy... step aside for a minute and join the world in paying tribute to the master. Congratulations HERBIE HANCOCK!! :D

[JonesyJackson]

Wow I'm going to run right out and get this CD.

[JoshLeeR]

this bullshit beat out kanye west and amy winehouse??? what is wrong with america!?!?!?!? fuck im pissed now! grrrrrrrr it sounds like shit, literally, a big pile of shit hitting a plate!

[dennis10is]

Yes, Einstein was retarded, Da Vinci was a moron, and you are brilliant

[Nishkid64]

Their lyrics don't make sense half the time...it's about time that a real musician is recognized for his brilliance.

[pfunk734]

to anybody who bitches about this winning the best album at the grammys, you obviously either know nothing about music, or don't appreciate real music. it's fucking idiots like you who eat up this pop culture bullshit and buy into the stupid shit music the media tells you is good. herbie is a hundred times the musician kanye or amy is.

[JonesyJackson]

If this is what's wrong with America then thank God, the future doesn't look so dim anymore.

"grrrr" is mine. Don't Bite.

[Utuberuse]

Way to go, Herbie! Never to late. I have always loved Joni Mitchell, too.

And yes, Kanye, there are some losers and now you're one of them. LOLOLOL

[jyfly09]

!!!REAL MUSIC!!!

[jarrettkid346]

congrats. Also congrats to Joni Mitchell herself for best pop instrumental. Right when I first listened to "Shine" that first track jumped out at me.

[shaolinmo]

Congrats

[robsterpaco]

congrats you crazy good musician

[rob70949]

Herbie Hancock - wow !!! record of the the year. Good work. Love the guy - great music. Rob S.

[seagrapes]

congrats baby !!!!!!!!!!

[faithvid]

Congrats Herbie Hancock on the Album of the Year Grammy Award!

[flesheatingbull]

congrats herbie! nice to see a jazz musician win the album of the year.

[Artimantle]

I must say that i just love this album. But what's up with Luciana Souza's version of Amelia. It sounds like she don't have a clue wath she's doing. Or is it just me? :P

[luizaserediuc]

music at last!

[owenbigpinekey1]

loved it

[bilalhoury]

I think it's a bit commercial, but the artist lineup is amazing, worth buying just for that...

[GIZZLEMAN333]

myspace dot com/gizzleman316

hit me up

[cholling]

Office music.

[plimbuff]

He's waisting his talent for money.

[salvador75]

Unfortunately, I think you're missing the point of Herbie's vision. Joni's been a great friend to Herbie as well as a real inspiration to not only him but many of the greatest jazz musicians of the past 30+ years. His quest to reinvent himself is the true mark of not only a real jazz musician but a creative visionary. The guys doesn't need the money.He's one of the wealthiest jazzers out there. Sells out shows wherever he goes. Listen to the album. It's beautiful.

[plimbuff]

I don't think you grasp the complexity and rare genius of REAL JAZZ, and Herbie Hancock. He should be in the spotlight doing what makes him a true genius, writing and improvising REAL JAZZ. Not this POP crap. I'm a jazz pianist myself, and believe me, He's not "reinventing himself", he's just playing a Pop gig to make some extra fame and money. It is not challenging to accompany a singer.

[salvador75]

haha...you're funny!

[jacktojack69]

You are full of shit, mate.

[stephendedlus]

herbie can do whatever he wants to do - he has done it his whole remarkable career! "waisting" talent for money would have been rockit in the 80s - not this.

[sheabags1]

It is, plain and simple as the title states, a tribute to Joni Mitchell... He doesn't need the extra money. Herbie Hancock has worked with numerous "pop" artists throughout his musical career. So before you go and trash a complete, thoughtful album, maybe you should check the content and hold your judgment for something a little less subjective.

[islandcrimes]

FUCKIN CHEESY----NOT A PLANET

[craigjazz23x]

Well this album is up for Album of the Year in the Grammy's this year. So there is nothing wrong with this album. He is not going to win but he is nominated

[brinney16]

He definitely just won the Grammy for Album of the Year. =)

[craigjazz23x]

yeah I can't believe it!! He deserves it I just thought they weren't going to let a jazz artist win. It was only the second jazz album to get Album of the Year at the Grammy's

[baileal]

I actually think he should have won last year also with his Possibilities Album.

[tomer1224]

Yea, the underdog. I read in Rolling Stone mag. and they thought Kanye would win, but I guess that substence wins over sales!!!

[sherizzle71]

he totally DID win!! i think it is great that a non-mainstream album won. it gives me a little more faith in the industry.

[realnicoli]

Herbie Hancock is a genius. Brilliant man.

[plimbuff]

He's a genius for his writing and improvising. He's waisting his talent backing up pop singers.

[realnicoli]

I don't see how creating a tribute album to Joni Mitchell can be "wasting his talent for money" or selling out. Plus I have nothing against an artist doing a more widely obtainable record and making a little money in the process. I think Herbie has earned that right. I tend to listen to "Real Jazz" more regularly as a trumpet player. But you can't possibly call this "pop crap".

[plimbuff]

Yes he has the right to do anything he wants. And He's certainly gained more popularity by doing gigs like this. I guess I wish it was like it was fifty years ago, when jazz was jazz and jazz artists didn't feel the need to record with people like Rob thomas, and other pop artists, just to be a household name. Maybe I'm living in the past even though I'm only in my twenties, admit it.

[realnicoli]

plimbuff, I too wasn't thrilled about the Rob Thomas thing. However, from an optimistic standpoint, one could say that by becoming more popular with a younger audience, Jazz greats like Hancock could actually bring more people to Jazz; possibly helping to support young Jazz musicians. I'll welcome a larger audience and new curiosity for Jazz any day.

[plimbuff]

Good point. Popular music has gone downhill only in the last fifty years or so. Why is it that we're getting smarter as a civilization yet, the majority of people are getting dumber musically?

[krish108]

come on if you didnt know these singers there wouldnt be a problem, being famous doesnt change talent

[VEGANSAM]

WOW!! . . . I GET GOOSEBUMPS NOT ONLY HEARING THE MUSIC, BUT FEELING THE WONDERFUL, WARM ATMOSPHERE CONVEYED BY THIS MINI-DOCUMENTARY . . .

BEAUTIFULLY done . . .

Thanks, FastFocus . . .

[raffrules]

This album is just beautiful, I bought it and not regret it at all!

[oscartheone]

Superb - what else can we have other than the finest jazz musicians playing a tribute to the finest lady singer of all times still alive???!!

That is fantastic how generous people are offering these small fragments of what can be Heavan indeed. Thanks!!

Oscar