Herbie Hancock - River: The Joni Letters

50th Annual Grammy Awards
Album Of The Year
River: The Joni Letters
Herbie Hancock
Best Contemporary Jazz Album
River: The Joni Letters
Herbie Hancock

The legendary pianist and innovator explores the words and music of another musical pioneer Joni Mitchell on his first new studio recording since 1998's Grammy Award winner Gershwin's World. Inspired in equal parts by Mitchell's poetic lyrics and unique melodies/harmonies, the musicians play with a restraint and elegance (on both the instrumental and vocal tracks) that achieves a perfect balance between the adventurous aesthetics of jazz improvisation and the emotional directness of the finest Adult Pop music.

1. Court and Spark featuring Norah Jones

2. Edith and the Kingpin featuring Tina Turner

3. Both Sides Now

4. River featuring Corinne Bailey Rae

5. Sweet Bird

6. Tea Leaf Prophecy featuring Joni Mitchell

7. Solitude

8. Amelia featuring Luciana Souza

9. Nefertiti

10. The Jungle Line featuring Leonard Cohen

Customer Reviews (4.50 Stars) 2 person(s) rated this product.

Wow, this is an incredible album posted on 04/12/2008 5 Stars Reviewer: Dave This is a JAZZ RECORD in keeping with what you'd expect from Herbie. I was afraid that mixing in the pop singers doing mostly Joni's works would be very pop-ish. Then the thing won a grammy and I thought for sure that it'd be weak. Well, I was totally wrong. This a head held high jazz interpretation of these great songs. Herbie dominates, but apparently guides Nora Jone, Tina Turner and others along his path. The pressings are excellent, with ten songs spread over four very quiet sides. The photography and cover layout are classic. Sound is pristine yet organic and alive. This shows that major labels can still put together a great package when they put their minds to it.

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