Herbie is not a piano player, he is a genius. Just takes it out on keyboards. I am totally amazed on how he thinks about music and his projects he has done in the last 20yrs
This kicks some serious ass - and a wonderful example of how musicians can take a melody and transform it and give it a completely different feel. One of our greatest living musicians. And to think he was 23 when he wrote this and then got asked to join the Miles Davis band.
Don't ever pass on a chance to see Herbie Hancock perform. Saw him last year at Weil Hall's Green Music Center on the campus of Sonoma State. An awesome show. He loves to share the story behind the music.
"Mongo" Santamaría (April 7, 1917 - February 1, 2003) was a rumba quinto master and an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist. He was an integral figure in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B and soul, paving the way for the boogaloo era of the late 1960s. His 1963 hit rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" (recorded on December 17, 1962) was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
It is just a real artistic experience to listen to a composer perform his music. This guy is just fantastic...was early in his career and he just keeps getting better all the time!
This brother is still awesome. Can still play the heck out of that song "Watermelon Man". Got the chance to catch him in concert some 6 years ago and he threw down. This interview here with Elvis Costello was quite insightful.
That is amazing cuz u can actually see that Herbie enjoys playing like a little child and he dances to the sound of his own music! Such an amazing artist
Excellent clip - thanks! I've always adored Hancock and this extrapolation of Watermelon Man is amazing. He's a genius: erudite, brave, innovative and unique.
I am 14 y.o. I admire Mr.Herbie Hancock for his musicianship and as a human being. Last year (I was 13 y.o.) he played with me at the O2 World in Berlin. If you want to watch, here is the video: HERBIE HANCOCK jamming with 13 y.o. GEORGIE HERRERA at O2 World Berlin. Cantaloupe Island
A Master At Work. Shows the depth of creativity with which an artist consorts, to which an artist can stretch with an idea. Blues!!!! Jazzy BluesyJazz. Simple, yet so profound/deceptively so. That's it-when you make it look easy because its inya..
+Petar Steinberg Thank you! You certainly get what I could never, possibly find English words to express. Only our ancestors, deep down in Africa, at the very least back 5,000 years ago, can find words to explain what Herbie Hancock is doing here. I don't think he himself has a clue what he is doing. I know for a fact that our ancestors chose him to convey a message we still need to sort out and understand!!!
Don't understand how Mango Santimaria did not see the connection between Afro-American and Afro-Cuban link. When it was Dizzy Gillespee and Chano Pozo who first collaborated the 1940's. with song Manteca.
I would have preferred to hear another kind of sound of synth trumpet (preferably analog) and a real vintage clavinet! that'd would be awesome. not a big fan of those digital cheesy modern synth sounds. but very well played, respect :)
Herbie is not a piano player, he is a genius. Just takes it out on keyboards. I am totally amazed on how he thinks about music and his projects he has done in the last 20yrs
Dude is in his 70s and he doesn't look a day over 45
Herbie Hancock is one of the greatest musicians of all time! :)
Christian McBride laying down a SERIOUS groove here!
+Luke Conklin Super Dope... Honestly made the entire thing groove...
This kicks some serious ass - and a wonderful example of how musicians can take a melody and transform it and give it a completely different feel. One of our greatest living musicians. And to think he was 23 when he wrote this and then got asked to join the Miles Davis band.
Don't ever pass on a chance to see Herbie Hancock perform. Saw him last year at Weil Hall's Green Music Center on the campus of Sonoma State. An awesome show. He loves to share the story behind the music.
"Mongo" Santamaría (April 7, 1917 - February 1, 2003) was a rumba quinto master and an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist. He was an integral figure in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B and soul, paving the way for the boogaloo era of the late 1960s. His 1963 hit rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" (recorded on December 17, 1962) was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Happy 76th Birthday Herbie Hancock!
Grew up listening to this... and it never gets old. Great post of a musical history that should be told again and again.
Mr. Hancock is a Master, and the world benefits from his existence.
Karriem Riggins on drums in case anyone was wondering. Detroit in the house!!
damn good
I was Like....he looks like Karriem, let me check the comments LOL
It is so much fun to enjoy pure genius, even if it is a recording. Thanks Mr. Hancock for wonderful music over the many years!
What a fucking groove this drummer has. You can't teach that, natural talent.
***** You are right, I believe some have an amazing natural groove from the get go though. Guys like Purdie, Al Jackson Jr, Dennis Chambers.
It is just a real artistic experience to listen to a composer perform his music. This guy is just fantastic...was early in his career and he just keeps getting better all the time!
This brother is still awesome. Can still play the heck out of that song "Watermelon Man". Got the chance to catch him in concert some 6 years ago and he threw down. This interview here with Elvis Costello was quite insightful.
That is amazing cuz u can actually see that Herbie enjoys playing like a little child and he dances to the sound of his own music! Such an amazing artist
The drummer's strokes are smooth as hell..
Never get tired of this song...Like the story too...
Great tune, wonderful story and superbly talented musician who never seems to age! This is tremendous...thanks for posting!
This is the greatest trio I have ever seen by far, Absoloutly fabulous interpretation of this great tune
I can see where Cory got some of his inspiration for the Lingus solo
I was just thinking exactly the same thing!
Excellent clip - thanks! I've always adored Hancock and this extrapolation of Watermelon Man is amazing. He's a genius: erudite, brave, innovative and unique.
Thanks for sharing!!! Great to know the history of this great tune!
Thanks for sharing. Always good to know the backstory of a classic tune. And who better than from the composer itself.
i love these creative stories
Chicago, IL struggles has produced so many greats
Met the man twice in Bombay! A true giant. Gentle and cool.
Love the bass line part
I am 14 y.o. I admire Mr.Herbie Hancock for his musicianship and as a human being. Last year (I was 13 y.o.) he played with me at the O2 World in Berlin. If you want to watch, here is the video: HERBIE HANCOCK jamming with 13 y.o. GEORGIE HERRERA at O2 World Berlin. Cantaloupe Island
Always off the charts!
one of his greatest tunes
A Master At Work. Shows the depth of creativity with which an artist consorts, to which an artist can stretch with an idea. Blues!!!! Jazzy BluesyJazz. Simple, yet so profound/deceptively so. That's it-when you make it look easy because its inya..
I can't give you but my love, Hancock!
LOL. Every single video of a famous jazz pianist giving a talk and playing has them using either a Bosendorfer or a Fazioli.
This man is a god.
+Petar Steinberg In total accord!!!
+Petar Steinberg Thank you! You certainly get what I could never, possibly find English words to express. Only our ancestors, deep down in Africa, at the very least back 5,000 years ago, can find words to explain what Herbie Hancock is doing here. I don't think he himself has a clue what he is doing. I know for a fact that our ancestors chose him to convey a message we still need to sort out and understand!!!
herbie oozes class
one of the greatest. musicians I can think of
he's talking to Elvis Costello. Interesting interview.
amazing I play this at school its the best but when its your first time its hard
He makes that Korg freakin' SING!!
...so good mister hancock !!!
This made me sway and as an added bonus, it made me happy!
Heavy...Pure talent....Class.
A stone cold groove, daddio!
Quite possibly my favorite composition.
Don't understand how Mango Santimaria did not see the connection between Afro-American and Afro-Cuban link. When it was Dizzy Gillespee and Chano Pozo who first collaborated the 1940's. with song Manteca.
Great Jazz! always a favorite.
He's one of my all time favorite Piano Players. Like Erroll Garner too :-)
from the 73` er Album "Head Hunter" which was a great one
Love the Funk-ness that happens @ 4:41
This is it HERBIE for me! & my man Chicanos got it all!
1962 is what I like.....cool!!!!
Thx Cllaude Gallichand for finding this great story of a wonderful tune.
The Best of the Best!!!!!!
super! what a great story
Herbie jammed the shit out of this run
I never usually liked Jazz trios until I heard this
Great song but the version from head hunters is my favorite
legendary drummer
Pretty interesting stuff. Thanks for posting!
Who is that on bass and drums? Some serious groove....
On drums im not sure but on bass its Christian McBride
Thank you, colafass :)
No problem, Ive seen him live.
Insane experience...
You should check out his trio
Will do. Cheers man
Pretty sure it's Christian McBride on bass
MAN O MAN.. .. .. Thanks for posting!
Happy Birthday, Herbie Hancock!
He's the best of the best
this is awesome
What a cool cat.
This is da sheet! I gotta go put on the old Headhunters now - damn!
He makes it look so easy.
Im 11 and he inspires me
Happy Birthday Herbie Hancock (April 12)
4:40 my favorite part :D
Saw him at UNC, amazing
Ten viewers don't like watermelons.
Christian McBride on bass ?
+j0c0b Definitely!!!
I love him Herbie Hancock
That's it Chicago HERBIE & my man! That's us!
Amazing!
wow this is really great!!
Damn! This group is so good! Does anyone know the name of the bassist and drummer?
I know that the bassist is Cristian Mcbride,a great musician who worked with many others artists like Sting
Kyle Pitcher Cristian McBride on bass and Karriem Riggins on the drums.
I sho loves me some watermelon, man. The second version was sho nuff funky stuff.
JAZZ-GUAJIRA. Wow master Herbie!
man first conguero i ever heard mongo still influenced me today herbie ur right
Always wonder if musicians like Herbie, can just play a tune automatically or do they need to practice....
That's it HERBIE & my man here we g! It's " ON"
super wersja !!!
Just really thinking about Joe Sample and others that have gone on to gig in the heavens.
rick solo Joe sample was great also I would agree with you on that
exquisito....sonido
I want to know how Spank-a-Lee was composed, and Paul Jackson's role in the composing process
Very high level!
Legend !
AMAZZING
1962! He was a kid! Yet he did this????????
Dig that groove
Bart: Candygram for Mongo! Candygram for Mongo!
DEVINE
Elvis Costello had a music show?
+Christi Petry He had the show, Spectacle, from 2008 to 2010. The dvds are on Netflix.
This reminds me of the bossa nova in Gran Turismo.
I would have preferred to hear another kind of sound of synth trumpet (preferably analog) and a real vintage clavinet!
that'd would be awesome. not a big fan of those digital cheesy modern synth sounds. but very well played, respect :)
Does anybody know what ride the drummer is using? Sounds bloody amazing!
The audio is a big help on this video. It's so well recorded, you can hear nuances of the instruments.
written in the year I was born !!