Takin' Off

Infobox Album |
Name = Takin' Off
Type = Studio album
Artist = Herbie Hancock


Released = 1962
Recorded = May 28, 1962
Genre = Jazz, hard bop, modal jazz
Length = 39:01 (original album)
Label = Blue Note (46506)
Producer = Alfred Lion
Reviews =
*Allmusic Rating|4.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:axfuxq9gldhe link]
This album = "Takin' Off"
(1962)
Next album = "My Point of View"
(1963)

"Takin' Off" is the 1962 debut album (see 1962 in music) of jazz pianist Herbie Hancock. The recording session included Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and veteran Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone. The album was a typical hard bop LP, with its characteristic two horns and a rhythm section. The bluesy single "Watermelon Man" made it to the Top 100 of the pop charts,Martin, Henry; & Waters, Keith (2005). "Jazz: The First 100 Years". Thomas Wadsworth. p. 311. ISBN 0534628044] and went on to become a jazz standard. The album has been called "one of the most accomplished and stunning debuts in the annals of jazz." [Carr, Ian; Fairweather, Digby; & Priestley, Brian (2004). "The Rough Guide to Jazz". St. Martin's Press. p. 331. ISBN 0312278705]

Track listing

All compositions by Herbie Hancock.

#"Watermelon Man" – 7:09
#"Three Bags Full" – 5:27
#"Empty Pockets" – 6:09
#"The Maze" – 6:45
#"Driftin'" – 6:58
#"Alone And I" – 6:25
#"Watermelon Man" (alternate take) – 6:33 (not on original album)
#"Three Bags Full" (alternate take) – 5:31 (not on original album)
#"Empty Pockets" (alternate take) – 6:27 (not on original album)

Personnel

*Herbie Hancock — piano
*Freddie Hubbard — trumpet
*Dexter Gordon — tenor saxophone
*Butch Warren — bass
*Billy Higgins — drums

References