Born: 12 / 4 / 1940
Location: United States
Herbert Jeffrey Hancock (born April 12, 1940) is an American jazz musician, bandleader, and composer. Hancock started his career with trumpeter Donald Byrd's group. He shortly thereafter joined the Miles Davis Quintet, where he helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the post-bop sound. In the 1970s, Hancock experimented with jazz fusion, funk, and electro styles, using a wide array of synthesizers and electronics. It was during this period that he released perhaps his best-known and most influential album, Head Hunters.Hancock's best-known compositions include "Cantaloupe Island", "Watermelon Man", "Maiden Voyage", and "Chameleon", all of which are jazz standards. During the 1980s, he enjoyed a hit single with the electronic instrumental "Rockit", a collaboration with bassist/producer Bill Laswell. Hancock has won an Academy Award and 14 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for his 2007 Joni Mitchell tribute album River: The Joni Letters, becoming only the second jazz album to win the award after Getz/Gilberto in 1965.
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Make sure to catch the performances from headliners Herbie Hancock and Esperanza Spalding.
The evening's virtuosity matched the glorious groove, while the novelty of watching an 84-year-old wield a keytar was the cherry on top of a magic night.
The jazz icon is set to tour in October.
"This was a celebratory night of music and creative spirit par excellence, from a true innovator and legend of modern music."
"Hancock was compelled to sit back and marvel with wide eyes, later admitting to the audience that he had no idea how it was done."
In addition to Hancock headlining this year's Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
The master of modern jazz is coming Down Under!