Herbie Hancock’s 1962 debut as a leader pairs his own compositions with a quintet featuring Freddie Hubbard, Dexter Gordon, Butch Warren and Billy Higgins. “Watermelon Man” supplies the instantly recognizable blues hook, but the album also introduces the harmonic curiosity that would drive his later work. A hard-bop session that makes room for both memorable themes and serious improvisation. Crystal clear vinyl.
“able to balance sophistication and accessibility”
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