Empyrean Isles

Empyrean Isles

Empyrean Isles

ASIN: B000005HCT

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has had a long and varied career, during which he's enjoyed both creative and commercial success, though seldom at the same time. For many listeners, his creative peak came early, on two stunning Blue Note recordings, Maiden Voyage and the less celebrated Empyrean Isles. Recorded in 1964, Empyrean Isles is the earlier of the two and also the most radical. Hancock's quartet features Freddie Hubbard substituting a cornet for his usual trumpet, and getting a more burnished, slightly warmer sound. Without the jazz-typical saxophone present, Hancock's is almost a naked band, and the single horn blurs the lines between the pianist's mood-rich compositions and improvisation. The group uses the increased sense of space for intense collective creation, with Hancock and drummer Tony Williams pressing far beyond their instruments' usual roles and engaging Hubbard in edgy, complex dialogue, while bassist Ron Carter anchors the performances. Hubbard rises to the occasion with brilliance, responding to the stimulus with a fluency of thought and execution--a daring that built on his avant-garde experience with musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Eric Dolphy. From the breezy "Oliloqui Valley" to the funky "Cantaloupe Island" and on to the dissonance of the extended "Egg," this is one of the most significant documents of the Blue Note style that emerged in the mid-'60s. It's music that tests the balance of control and risk, and Hubbard's is also one of the great performances by a trumpeter in modern jazz. --Stuart Broomer --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description
Herbie Hancock's fourth Blue Note album with Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams defined the sound that his jazz work would carry to this day: funk, delicate harmonies and experimental improvisation all somehow working together. "One Finger Snap" and, of course, "Cantaloupe Island" have become jazz classics.
Includes two bonus tracks. --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Empyrean Isles,Herbie Hancock,Blue Note Records,Hard Bop,Jazz,Jazz Music,Modal Music,Pop
Empyrean Isles
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpiece
  • Herbie Hancock Has Arrived...
  • 1+ 3
  • 5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remastering
  • Isle breezes oh so cool
 Empyrean Isles
Herbie Hancock
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
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Similar Items:
  1. Maiden Voyage
  2. Speak No Evil
  3. The Real McCoy
  4. Takin' Off
  5. Somethin' Else

ASIN: B00000I8UG
Release Date: 1999-03-23

Tracks:

  1. One Finger Snap
  2. Ololoqui Valley
  3. Cantaloupe Island
  4. The Egg
  5. One Finger Snap (Alternative Take)
  6. Oliloqui Valley (Alternative Take)

Amazon.com

Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has had a long and varied career, during which he's enjoyed both creative and commercial success, though seldom at the same time. For many listeners, his creative peak came early, on two stunning Blue Note recordings, Maiden Voyage and the less celebrated Empyrean Isles. Recorded in 1964, Empyrean Isles is the earlier of the two and also the most radical. Hancock's quartet features Freddie Hubbard substituting a cornet for his usual trumpet, and getting a more burnished, slightly warmer sound. Without the jazz-typical saxophone present, Hancock's is almost a naked band, and the single horn blurs the lines between the pianist's mood-rich compositions and improvisation. The group uses the increased sense of space for intense collective creation, with Hancock and drummer Tony Williams pressing far beyond their instruments' usual roles and engaging Hubbard in edgy, complex dialogue, while bassist Ron Carter anchors the performances. Hubbard rises to the occasion with brilliance, responding to the stimulus with a fluency of thought and execution--a daring that built on his avant-garde experience with musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Eric Dolphy. From the breezy "Oliloqui Valley" to the funky "Cantaloupe Island" and on to the dissonance of the extended "Egg," this is one of the most significant documents of the Blue Note style that emerged in the mid-'60s. It's music that tests the balance of control and risk, and Hubbard's is also one of the great performances by a trumpeter in modern jazz. --Stuart Broomer

Album Description

Herbie Hancock's fourth Blue Note album with Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams defined the sound that his jazz work would carry to this day: funk, delicate harmonies and experimental improvisation all somehow working together. "One Finger Snap" and, of course, "Cantaloupe Island" have become jazz classics.
Includes two bonus tracks.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpiece.......2007-05-26

My knowledge of Herbie Hancock extends to five solo albums plus his work with Miles Davis, so I don't at all consider myself an expert on this guy. But this is my favorite Hancock album that I've heard. And yes, I know (and like) both Maiden Voyage and Headhunters, so don't tell me I don't know Herbie.
Anyway, the first thing to note is the guy behind the drum kit. That's right, Tony Williams is on this album. That should make it reason enough to buy it, no? Here's another. This record has the classic Canteloupe Island on it. Kind of like the original Watermelon Man (the one found on Takin' Off, that is) in that it's based around a simple funk-blues piano theme that becomes the launch pad for some stellar solos from cornet player Freddie Hubbard and Hancock himself. The Egg is also worth your while - its unpredictable structure messes with your head (it could've been three different songs!) and justifies the quarter-hour length. If I had this on vinyl, I could easily see myself spinning side 2 of this album to death.
To be honest, side one can't match up to side two. But I gave this five stars for a reason: Every song rules. One Finger Snap is an exciting, energetic piece of post-bop, and the ballad Oliloqui Valley boasts some melodic bass playing from Ron Carter. I like melodic bass playing.
This is a pure classic, plain and simple. A mix of modal jazz and blues - like Kind of Blue, only less blue. Maiden Voyage pales in comparison.

5 out of 5 stars Herbie Hancock Has Arrived..........2007-05-13

Have you ever come across an artist that has 2 albums so good, it's virtually impossible to determine which of the 2 is better? Well today I'll be reviewing the first of 2 Herbie Hancock's explorations in excellence (with the other being Maiden Voyage).

Empyrean Isles is one of those rare albums that manage to stretch the limits of the English language. It is such a wonderful album that one sometimes struggles to find a word to describe it. Whenever asked how the album is, I always find myself frowning up my face, and then replying with the basic "That one is GOOD!!!" This is one of those albums that achieves perfect balance, and fills in the gaps in the center of your jazz collection. It isn't as subdued as "Kind of Blue", but it isn't quite as upbeat as "Miles Smiles". Empyrean Isles has a little more flare than "Lush Life", but it isn't quite as fiery as "A Love Supreme". To put it plainly, this album is the perfect balance of Freddie Hubbard's fire and Herbie Hancock's melodic harmony, and the fact that Herbie composed every song himself makes it all the more impressive.

I must admit though, in order to get the full effect of this compositional masterpiece, you really need to be sitting home alone or somewhere with your headphones on and your eyes closed. Needless to say the samples are virtually useless. There is no way possible to contain all the harmony, or display all the little nuances that make these compositions great within a 30 second time frame. Do yourself a favor: Take the dive...and enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars 1+ 3.......2006-12-06

With Freddie backed by Herbie,Ron Carter,and Tony Williams.This is high-flight crisp and inspiring music.Worthy of repeated listenings. Listen and enjoy.Williams is over the top,very creative and will continue to suprise you with his unceasing inventiveness.I've always noticed how Carter and Williams really spur Hancock on as you will notice in this set.Hancock,one the the truly great pianist of post-bop era,sounds like he is his having the time of his life.It doesn't get much better than this.

5 out of 5 stars 5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remastering.......2006-04-13

If you're thinking of upgrading from the previous release I would think twice. I have many of the new RVG remasters and have found most of them with improved sound, although some of them are just louder, not better. But this release is curious to say the least. While the bass is somewhat more prominent it is at the expense of the drums which are a major reason why this session worked. Mr. Williams sounds like he was in the next studio over, in the background, compared to the initial release.

I won't comment on the musical content as others have done a great job with that except to say that this is one of the finest Blue Note sessions ever recorded. At this writing there are a few used copies of the first remaster done by Ron McMaster. I would recommend that you grab that issue instead.

5 out of 5 stars Isle breezes oh so cool.......2005-04-03

Herbie Hancock is definitely one of the best pianist/composer in jazz music today. This CD gives many reasons.

"One finger snap" starts the mood right on this CD. It gets you ready for what Empyrean Isles has in store.

"Cantaloupe Island", as I could remember, was sampled by British pop group Us3 in 1995. The song was murdered for airplay, although its active, jumpy piano loops and bass lines is very addictive.

"Oliloqui Valley" is just as addictive. The upright bass line, simple keys and breezy trumpet notes starting the song can be looped as a song itself.

"The Egg" is an experimental track with some "freestyles" from each instrumentalist. Listen to the drums get beaten to death on one segment.

"Isles" is definitely a Blue Note classic. Cop the record and you would want to keep it in your CD rotation.
Empyrean Isles
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpiece
  • Herbie Hancock Has Arrived...
  • 1+ 3
  • 5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remastering
  • Isle breezes oh so cool
 Empyrean Isles
Herbie Hancock
Manufacturer: Blue Note Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Funk | R&B | Styles | Music
Blue Note RecordsBlue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Modern Post BopModern Post Bop | Jazz | Indie Music | Stores | Music
GeneralGeneral | R&B | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Maiden Voyage
  2. Speak No Evil
  3. The Real McCoy
  4. Takin' Off
  5. Somethin' Else

ASIN: B000005HCT
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. One Finger Snap
  2. One Finger Snap (Alt. Take)
  3. Oliloqui Valley
  4. Oliloqui Valley (Alt. Take)
  5. Cantaloupe Island
  6. The Egg

Amazon.com

Pianist and composer Herbie Hancock has had a long and varied career, during which he's enjoyed both creative and commercial success, though seldom at the same time. For many listeners, his creative peak came early, on two stunning Blue Note recordings, Maiden Voyage and the less celebrated Empyrean Isles. Recorded in 1964, Empyrean Isles is the earlier of the two and also the most radical. Hancock's quartet features Freddie Hubbard substituting a cornet for his usual trumpet, and getting a more burnished, slightly warmer sound. Without the jazz-typical saxophone present, Hancock's is almost a naked band, and the single horn blurs the lines between the pianist's mood-rich compositions and improvisation. The group uses the increased sense of space for intense collective creation, with Hancock and drummer Tony Williams pressing far beyond their instruments' usual roles and engaging Hubbard in edgy, complex dialogue, while bassist Ron Carter anchors the performances. Hubbard rises to the occasion with brilliance, responding to the stimulus with a fluency of thought and execution--a daring that built on his avant-garde experience with musicians like John Coltrane, Ornette Coleman, and Eric Dolphy. From the breezy "Oliloqui Valley" to the funky "Cantaloupe Island" and on to the dissonance of the extended "Egg," this is one of the most significant documents of the Blue Note style that emerged in the mid-'60s. It's music that tests the balance of control and risk, and Hubbard's is also one of the great performances by a trumpeter in modern jazz. --Stuart Broomer

Album Description

Herbie Hancock's fourth Blue Note album with Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams defined the sound that his jazz work would carry to this day: funk, delicate harmonies and experimental improvisation all somehow working together. "One Finger Snap" and, of course, "Cantaloupe Island" have become jazz classics.
Includes two bonus tracks.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Hancock's best ever - essential jazz masterpiece.......2007-05-26

My knowledge of Herbie Hancock extends to five solo albums plus his work with Miles Davis, so I don't at all consider myself an expert on this guy. But this is my favorite Hancock album that I've heard. And yes, I know (and like) both Maiden Voyage and Headhunters, so don't tell me I don't know Herbie.
Anyway, the first thing to note is the guy behind the drum kit. That's right, Tony Williams is on this album. That should make it reason enough to buy it, no? Here's another. This record has the classic Canteloupe Island on it. Kind of like the original Watermelon Man (the one found on Takin' Off, that is) in that it's based around a simple funk-blues piano theme that becomes the launch pad for some stellar solos from cornet player Freddie Hubbard and Hancock himself. The Egg is also worth your while - its unpredictable structure messes with your head (it could've been three different songs!) and justifies the quarter-hour length. If I had this on vinyl, I could easily see myself spinning side 2 of this album to death.
To be honest, side one can't match up to side two. But I gave this five stars for a reason: Every song rules. One Finger Snap is an exciting, energetic piece of post-bop, and the ballad Oliloqui Valley boasts some melodic bass playing from Ron Carter. I like melodic bass playing.
This is a pure classic, plain and simple. A mix of modal jazz and blues - like Kind of Blue, only less blue. Maiden Voyage pales in comparison.

5 out of 5 stars Herbie Hancock Has Arrived..........2007-05-13

Have you ever come across an artist that has 2 albums so good, it's virtually impossible to determine which of the 2 is better? Well today I'll be reviewing the first of 2 Herbie Hancock's explorations in excellence (with the other being Maiden Voyage).

Empyrean Isles is one of those rare albums that manage to stretch the limits of the English language. It is such a wonderful album that one sometimes struggles to find a word to describe it. Whenever asked how the album is, I always find myself frowning up my face, and then replying with the basic "That one is GOOD!!!" This is one of those albums that achieves perfect balance, and fills in the gaps in the center of your jazz collection. It isn't as subdued as "Kind of Blue", but it isn't quite as upbeat as "Miles Smiles". Empyrean Isles has a little more flare than "Lush Life", but it isn't quite as fiery as "A Love Supreme". To put it plainly, this album is the perfect balance of Freddie Hubbard's fire and Herbie Hancock's melodic harmony, and the fact that Herbie composed every song himself makes it all the more impressive.

I must admit though, in order to get the full effect of this compositional masterpiece, you really need to be sitting home alone or somewhere with your headphones on and your eyes closed. Needless to say the samples are virtually useless. There is no way possible to contain all the harmony, or display all the little nuances that make these compositions great within a 30 second time frame. Do yourself a favor: Take the dive...and enjoy!

5 out of 5 stars 1+ 3.......2006-12-06

With Freddie backed by Herbie,Ron Carter,and Tony Williams.This is high-flight crisp and inspiring music.Worthy of repeated listenings. Listen and enjoy.Williams is over the top,very creative and will continue to suprise you with his unceasing inventiveness.I've always noticed how Carter and Williams really spur Hancock on as you will notice in this set.Hancock,one the the truly great pianist of post-bop era,sounds like he is his having the time of his life.It doesn't get much better than this.

5 out of 5 stars 5 stars for music --- 2 stars for remastering.......2006-04-13

If you're thinking of upgrading from the previous release I would think twice. I have many of the new RVG remasters and have found most of them with improved sound, although some of them are just louder, not better. But this release is curious to say the least. While the bass is somewhat more prominent it is at the expense of the drums which are a major reason why this session worked. Mr. Williams sounds like he was in the next studio over, in the background, compared to the initial release.

I won't comment on the musical content as others have done a great job with that except to say that this is one of the finest Blue Note sessions ever recorded. At this writing there are a few used copies of the first remaster done by Ron McMaster. I would recommend that you grab that issue instead.

5 out of 5 stars Isle breezes oh so cool.......2005-04-03

Herbie Hancock is definitely one of the best pianist/composer in jazz music today. This CD gives many reasons.

"One finger snap" starts the mood right on this CD. It gets you ready for what Empyrean Isles has in store.

"Cantaloupe Island", as I could remember, was sampled by British pop group Us3 in 1995. The song was murdered for airplay, although its active, jumpy piano loops and bass lines is very addictive.

"Oliloqui Valley" is just as addictive. The upright bass line, simple keys and breezy trumpet notes starting the song can be looped as a song itself.

"The Egg" is an experimental track with some "freestyles" from each instrumentalist. Listen to the drums get beaten to death on one segment.

"Isles" is definitely a Blue Note classic. Cop the record and you would want to keep it in your CD rotation.
Empyrean Isles
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Empyrean Isles
    Herbie Hancock
    Manufacturer: Blue Note
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
    Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
    Blue Note RecordsBlue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
    R&BR&B | Imports | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B00069BOK0
    Release Date: 2005-01-05

    Tracks:

    1. One Finger Snap
    2. Oliloqui Valley
    3. Cantaloupe Island
    4. Egg
    5. One Finger Snap [Alternate Take][*]
    6. Oliloqui Valley [Alternate Take][*]

    Album Description

    Japanese 24-bit remastered reissue of 1964 album packaged in a limited edition miniature LP sleeve. Blue Note. 2004.

    Album Details

    24bit digitally remastered Japanese release.
    Empyrean Isles
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      		Empyrean Isles
      Herbie Hancock
      Manufacturer: Blue Note Japan
      ProductGroup: Music
      Binding: Audio CD

      Bebop GeneralBebop General | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Hard BopHard Bop | Bebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Jazz FusionJazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music
      Modern PostbebopModern Postbebop | Jazz | Styles | Music
      GeneralGeneral | R&B | Styles | Music
      Blue Note RecordsBlue Note Records | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
      JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
      R&BR&B | Imports | Stores | Music
      ASIN: B00005GKB3
      Release Date: 1994-12-21

      Tracks:

      1. One Finger Snap
      2. Oliloqui Valley
      3. Cantaloupe Island
      4. Egg
      5. One Finger Snap [Alternate Take][*]
      6. Oliloqui Valley [Alternate Take][*]
      Empyrean Isles
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        		Empyrean Isles

        ProductGroup: Music
        Binding: Audio CD

        GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
        JazzJazz | Imports | Stores | Music
        ASIN: B000PDZPNO
        Release Date: 2007-06-26
        Empyrean Isles
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          		Empyrean Isles
          Herbie Hancock
          ProductGroup: Music
          Binding: Audio CD

          GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
          ASIN: B0002XNCF0
          Release Date: 2004-01-06

          Album Description

          24 bit digitally remastered Japanese reissue of theacclaimed jazz keyboardist's 1964 album for Blue Note in aminiaturized LP sleeve with the original cover art intactfor the initial pressing only. The All-Music Guide gave therecord four & a half stars (out of five possible). Four tracks. 1999 release.

          Jazz Music:

          1. Epigraphs
          2. Face the Music [Live]
          3. Fishing With John [Soundtrack]
          4. Give It One
          5. Go!
          6. Golden Age of American Dance Bands: Spin A Little Web of Dreams [Box set]
          7. Green Dolphin Street [Import] [Original recording remastered]
          8. In Honor of Duke
          9. In Modern Times [Hybrid SACD] [Hybrid SACD]
          10. Interstellar Space

          Jazz Music

          Jazz Music