My Point of View
In this 1963 recording session, pianist Herbie Hancock had a chance to work with a septet that could highlight his burgeoning skills as an arranger and composer. With Hancock's inventive sense of voicings already defined, it's a happy mix of inspired charts and spirited blowing that fuses the hard bop of trumpeter Donald Byrd and tenor saxophonistHank Mobleywith the bluesy approach of guitaristGrant Greenand Hancock's own fluent soloing and incisive comping. Also notable is the explosive young drummer Tony Williams, who was already showing the distinctive fire that would soon igniteMiles Davis's band. The track "Blind Man, Blind Man" is a funky romp that clearly builds on Hancock's remarkable success with the earlier "Watermelon Man" and is a harbinger of the pop success he'd later enjoy with the Headhunters. --Stuart Broomer