Over the course of time I have read stacks and stacks
of musical biographies from a wide range of musical genres that have run the
gamut from tell alls to those that covered one segment of an artist’s career
including recording, touring and much, much more. Many had a tendency to fall
into a familiar formula or pattern of ups and down and they often left me not
much more informed about the subject than when I started.
The same cannot be said for Possibilities by legendary jazz, R&B and hip hop artist Herbie
Hancock. Possibilities ranks as one
of the most open and honest biographies of a musical performer I have ever
read. Writing with Lisa Dickey, Hancock delves deeply into his seven decade
career that has spanned not only the time but a diverse range of musicals
styles.
Hancock has clearly made a career out of defying
pigeonholes and labels to bring not only his masterful craftsmanship but his
seemingly boundless creativity to bear on every project he undertakes. Hancock
delivers great insights into the multitude of collaborators and cohorts that he
has crossed musical and life paths with along the way.
The book provides a real sense of the unique
combination of talent, desire and inherent genius that is a play in Hancock’s
approach to music. One senses an all conquering drive and determination to
deliver great music and an almost inner struggle; turmoil may be too strong a
word, that is at play with Hancock when it comes to the need for success
challenging the resolve for musical/artistic purity.
It’s easy to sense the level of enlightenment that
Hancock’s practicing Buddhism has lent to his creativity and his life. Any jazz
fan couldn’t help but be intrigued by Hancock’s stories about his time playing
with Miles Davis.
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