Herbie Hancock

Why All Jazz Pianists Should Study Art Tatum

2026-07-13T11:08:49+01:00

Photo credit: “Tatum in 1946–1948” by William P. Gottlieb. Courtesy of the Library of Congress, William P. Gottlieb Collection, digital ID gottlieb.08301. Few musicians have transformed the landscape of jazz piano quite like Art Tatum. Revered by fellow pianists and admired by musicians across every genre, Tatum possessed a level of technical brilliance and musical imagination that continues to astonish listeners decades after his recordings were made. While many pianists naturally gravitate towards figures such as Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner or Herbie Hancock, every serious jazz pianist should spend time studying Art Tatum. His influence reaches far beyond dazzling virtuosity; [...]

Why All Jazz Pianists Should Study Art Tatum2026-07-13T11:08:49+01:00

The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time

2025-02-13T11:00:07+00:00

In the world of jazz, the piano stands as the most versatile instrument, and a key figure in the continuing evolution of the genre. Throughout the history of jazz, the piano has been employed both as a rhythm section member, and as the focal instrument, either in an ensemble or solo setting. As a result, there have been countless albums released in the last 100 years that have explored the piano as a lead instrument, giving aspiring pianists a wealth of material to take inspiration from. Here I will outline the qualities of what I think are the most inspiring and [...]

The Best Jazz Piano Albums of All Time2025-02-13T11:00:07+00:00

Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock

2023-10-11T11:30:06+01:00

In a Nutshell:"Watermelon Man" is a jazz standard by Herbie Hancock from his 1962 debut album, "Takin' Off."The original version featured Freddie Hubbard and Dexter Gordon in a grooving hard bop style.Mongo Santamaría's Latin pop rendition reached No. 10 on the pop chart and was Grammy Hall of Fame inducted.Hancock later reworked it with funk influences for his 1973 album "Head Hunters."The song's structure is a sixteen-bar blues drawing from R&B, soul jazz, and bebop.Over two hundred artists have recorded the song, including David Bowie's band and live renditions at Montreux Jazz Festival.About the Piece:"Watermelon Man" is a jazz standard composed [...]

Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock2023-10-11T11:30:06+01:00
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