Herbie Hancock and Friends - Spotlight (Day 9)

Hey there. Back again today with a few more from 1977 and onto 1978. What we'll be looking at today is more of a straight ahead sound which isn't my first choice typically - but some great stuff nonetheless.

First up is a trio album with Herbie on acoustic piano, Ron Carter on bass and Tony Williams on drums. Third Plane was recorded in July of 1977 and features mostly originals from within the group with the exception of standard "Stella By Starlight." Personal favorites here are the Carter tune "United Blues" and the Hancock classic "Dolphin Dance." 

The next album for us features the same lineup of Hancock, Carter and Williams. The material for this one is from the same recording sessions as Third Plane. As such, Trio '77 again is a more straight ahead sound but I much prefer this album to the previous. All Hancock tunes here aside from the closing "Milestones" from little known trumpeter Miles Davis. I personally really dig the opening tune "Watch It" and the following "Speak Like A Child." This record seems to have a bit more of a pulse than Third Plane - which is probably why I prefer it.

It wouldn't be right to not squeeze in a Ron Carter album and while I have some favorites, I wanted to find something from this time frame to stay on course. In 1977, Ron released a splendid double album named Piccolo. Naturally, he spends his time on the piccolo bass with Buster Williams handling the more traditional bassist role. Also joining the quartet are excellent pianist Kenny Barron and drummer Ben Riley. A lot of good stuff on this one. The opening "Saguaro" is a great 18-minute tune with the group's talent on full display. I also really dig the Monk tune "Sun Shower" and Carter tunes "Little Waltz" and "Tambien Conocido Como" which feature Carter using his bow. A sound I always dig. Great live album through and through. 

We'll squeeze in one more for today before our final 2 posts which I hope to have complete this week. The following year, in 1978, Buster Williams released another album titled Tokudo. A trio album featuring Kenny Barron on piano and Ben Riley on drums, we're just a Ron Carter away from our group on Piccolo. The sound here mostly fits with the theme of the day. Straight forward jazz played by exceptionally talented musicians. Only 2 originals on this one but a great album nonetheless. I love Buster's playing style. I really dig the title track and the nice 15-minute rendition of "Someday My Prince Will Come." 

BONUS: I intended on including this Buster Williams album but forgot to. I've listened to this album a ton of times and mostly when I'm trying to drift off to sleep. Not going to spend a lot of time on it - but it's included and you can learn more about Crystal Reflections if you're interested. Released in 1976 in between Pinnacle and Tokudo.

Enjoy!