empyrean isles

Herbie Hancock explored the frontiers of jazz with the sketches of hard bop and funk fusion that create the secret enchantment of this mythic modal concept album.  While playing with Miles Davis during the better part of the sixties, Hancock recorded several albums on the side for Blue Note Records, starting with his solo debut 'Takin' Off'  and continuing with 'My Point of View'   and 'Inventions and Dimensions'.

For 'Empyrean Isles' he once again recorded with producer and Blue Note founder Alfred Lion at Rudy Van Gelder's studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey.  The sessions featured Herbie Hancock on piano;  Freddie Hubbard on cornet;   Ron Carter on bass;  and Tony Williams on drums.   Hancock and the rhythm section create an improvisational groove that allows Hubbard to soar on his solos.  




http://www.herbiehancock.com/







'Cantaloupe Island' became one of his most well known compositions.  It was sampled by Us3 twenty-nine years later on  "Cantaloop (Flip Fantasia)", bringing the standard to a whole new generation.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPVuLS-HXJo

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrgP1u5YWEg







'Empyrean Isles'
full album:


"One Finger Snap" – 7:20
"Oliloqui Valley" – 8:28
"Cantaloupe Island" – 5:32
"The Egg" – 14:00
bonus tracks:
"One Finger Snap" (Alternate Take) – 7:37
"Oliloqui Valley" (Alternate Take) – 10:47