Details

Blue Note Classic Vinyl Reissue Series!
180g Vinyl LP!
Mastered by Kevin Gray from Original Analog Tapes!
Pressed at Optimal!

Following the release of his 1965 masterpieceMaiden Voyage, the brilliant pianist Herbie Hancock wouldn't record his Blue Note follow-up until 1968 with the innovative classicSpeak Like a Child. The album was a showcase of several aspects of Hancock's artistry: as a pianist, a composer, and an arranger. The session found Hancock expanding his tonal palette by adding the unique coloring of flugelhorn (Thad Jones), bass trombone (Peter Phillips), and alto flute (Jerry Dodgion) to his trio with bassistRon Carterand drummerMickey Roker.However, the leader's piano would be spotlighted as the main solo instrument throughout this six-song set including Hancock originals like the alluring title track, the churning "Riot," the plaintive "Goodbye to Childhood," and the mysterious closer "The Sorcerer," a dedication to Miles Davis which had been recorded by the trumpeter's quintet the year prior. On Carter's spry and cheerful "First Trip" the trio goes it alone delivering a wonderfully agile and swinging performance for the ages.

This gatefold Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Like Maiden Voyage, the album is laid-back, melodic, and quite beautiful, but there are noticeable differences between the two records. Hancock's melodies and themes have become simpler and more memorable, particularly on the title track, but that hasn't cut out room for improvisation. Instead, he has found a balance between accessible themes and searching improvisations that work a middle ground between post-bop and rock....the key to Speak Like a Child is in Hancock's graceful, lyrical playing and compositions, which are lovely on the surface and provocative and challenging upon closer listening.-Stephen Thomas Erlewine, AllMusic.com, 4.5/5 stars

Features

• Blue Note Classic Vinyl Reissue Series
• 180g Vinyl LP
• All-Analog Pressing
• Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio from Original Analog Tapes
• Manufactured at Optimal in Germany
• Gatefold Jacket

Musicians

Selections

Side I:

1. Riot
2. Speak Like a Child
3. First Trip

Side II:

1. Toys
2. Goodbye to Childhood
3. The Sorcerer