“Music transcends so many of the barriers between people. It appeals to what we have in common”
“Jazz musicians have been (really) traditionally been ambassadors. The person going from his native land to another land and gets intrigued stimulated creatively – that’s a spark.”
“Globalization is here, but we have to think more about the kind of globalization that we want and not one that is handed down to us. “ -----Herbie Hancock
The “Imagine Project”, the latest cd by Herbie Hancock was released last June. It is a globalization project – the kind of globalization that is about peace, compassion, and hope.
The music which crosses over many genres is a blend of Herbie Hancock’s jazz roots with blues, funk, reggae, hip hop, folk music from many countries especially from West Africa), classical Indian, and the offspring of fusion of other genres. He worked with artists from many continents (see the track listing at the end) and with the guidance of Larry Klein has produced something quite beautiful.
I think the timing of the release of “The Imagine Project” is a serendipitous coincidence to the recent 2010-G20 Toronto Summit. Prior to June 26th, protests were already growing among Canadians who are generally perceived as “polite”. There were over 900 arrests.
It was a time when people rose up against the agenda of world leaders. They expressed rage at government leaders who turned deaf ears to local issues of poverty, gay rights and indigenous rights. “Leaders” pressed towards policy making that negated the quality of life, such as the right for individuals to own their own land, grow their own food, and even own the seeds that they sow into the ground.
“The Imagine Project” is Herbie Hancock’s salve to the pain and hardships of economic globalization.
In conversation with US Congressman John Lewis
HH: It takes courage to be able to stand up for what is actually within the heart of every human being”
JL: You just need to answer. Answer the call.
HH: Yeah… that’s right. Answer the call.
A few words about some of the music:
The Song Goes On - with K.S. Chithra, Chaka Khan, Anoushka Shankar and Wayne Shorter – reminiscent of the fiery heat of an Indian curry with the fast rhythm on the tabla and pakhawaj. There are overtones of Miles Davis influences in Shorter’s and Hancock’s playing. When Herbie Hancock was asked by Mike Ragogna if he missed Miles the response was:
He may not be physically here, but there is enough of the physical elements that came from him that really give me the feeling that he is still here. He expresses himself through other musicians, like Wayne Shorter, for example, and hopefully through me and the things that I learned from my experience being with him. Of course, Miles touched all of the musicians that worked with him. Those elements are still there. But he knew musicians that he didn't work with, like Joni Mitchell, for example. She knew Miles, and various musicians from the rock scene had met Miles because he had gotten on that scene from the Isle of Wight. So, in a very real sense, Miles is still here.
Tamatant Tilay / Exodus - with Tinariwen, K'Naan & Los Lobos – this is a funky groove and combines talents from Africa, Jamaica and Chicano rockers.
Space Captain - with Susan Tedeschi & Derek Trucks – a Matthew Moore composition made popular by Joe Cocker. This is the sole blues influenced song in the CD and it’s the closest that stays to its blues roots. There’s a great call and response between the piano and the guitar.
Don't Give Up - with Pink & John Legend – A very gentle yet moving rendition of a song originally performed Peter Gabriel/Kate Bush. A song about a man’s despair from the economic system, but is encouraged by a voice of wise counsel. John Legend soulful lament is heartbreaking, and Pink’s soothing voice coos “Don’t Give Up because you have friends”.
“I have always loved that song and everbody I talk to loves that song. It makes people cry, and using the song was almost an afterthought…”
A Change Is Gonna Come - with James Morrison – I really liked this one, because it’s the longest track at over 8 minutes in length. The song moves through at least three transitions from blues to jazz. At halfway point, Herbie Hancock underlays the jazz voicings deeper and deeper into the song while James Morrison maintains his bluesy melody and Tal Wilkenfeld (bass) keeps up a nice slow groove. By the six minute mark it’s a jazz trio.
Imagine - with Pink, Seal, india.arie, Jeff Beck, Konono & Omou Sangare – Herbie Hancock introduces the CD with Imagine that has a thoughtful and soft piano reverie that is followed with Pink’s singing, Imagine all the people… then Seal picks up with You may say I’m a dreamer… The soft introduction changes to a pop beat and very hopeful in mood indeed.
This is a great collection of music to own as it speaks from the heart of artists from different cultures with a unified imagination for a better world.0------ANALYN REVILLA.