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Herbie Hancock: Possibilities cover art

Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

By: Herbie Hancock, Lisa Dickey
Narrated by: Herbie Hancock
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Summary

The long-awaited memoir by one of the most influential and beloved musicians of our time.

In Herbie Hancock legendary jazz musician and composer Herbie Hancock reflects on a thriving career that has spanned seven decades. A true innovator, Hancock has had an enormous influence on both acoustic and electric jazz, R&B and hip-hop, with his ongoing exploration of different musical genres, garnering 14 Grammy Awards along the way.

From his beginnings as a child prodigy to his work in Miles Davis's second great quintet; from his innovations as the leader of his own groundbreaking sextet to his collaborations with everyone from Wayne Shorter to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder; Herbie Hancock reveals the method behind Hancock's undeniable musical genius.

Hancock discusses his musical influences, colorful behind-the-scenes stories, his long and happy marriage, and how Buddhism inspires him creatively and personally. Honest, enlightening, and as electrifyingly vital as the man who wrote it, Herbie Hancock promises to be an invaluable contribution to jazz literature and a must-read for fans and music lovers.

©2014 Penguin Audio (P)2014 Herbie Hancock

Critic reviews

"Herbie Hancock has led a fascinating life. And the story of that life makes a fascinating book." (Peter Keepnews, The New York Times Book Review, Editor’s Choice)

"Few jazz biographies are perfect, though Hancock’s Possibilities come closer than some." (Kevin Whitehead, Fresh Air)
 

"[Possibilities is] very effective at its paramount task: getting the reader to dig into the catalog of this restless jazz genius with newly edified ears." (The Boston Globe

What listeners say about Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

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Excellent...

I've seen Herbie Hancock perform once in London,with hus original Headhunters line up and it blew me away.

Great autobiography because it was very "talky" and felt like I was in a conversation with him..

Brilliant...

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from psychadelics to budhism

Very interesting all along.
lots of nice anecdotes
Felt a bit like some of the second half was a promotion for Budhism, but you can't really hold a grief against someone who found some spiritual peace and meaning wanting to share his experience.

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Great biography

I'm a huge fan of Herbie and his spoken delivery was a gift to listen to as he guides us through the amazing journey that is his life.

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Epic. Must read.

Read this straight after reading ‘Miles’. Just read it. A wonderful reflection and celebration of Jazz, opportunity and being human. Might change your life 🙏

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Fab

12 hours long apparently but it flew by. The life story of an absolute trailblazer. And it’s beautifully read by the great man himself. I hope herbie is coping ok with the recent death of his best friend Wayne shorter.

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I love Herbie Hancock

Inspiring, engaging and honest Herbie is a true gem. Beautifully read by the great man himself.

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Music as a journey through life

I'm so grateful to Herbie for writing this book, where he has shown how his music and journey through that profession taught him so much, and leading him to Buddism, where he started to look life through new eyes; as a transformed human being! Thank you Herbie!

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Really inspiring

A must read for any musician and any human being 🙃 I've walked miles with this 12-hour book and enjoyed every second of it. Thank you Herbie!

Udi Glaser

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Magnanimous Masterpiece

Of all the many musical accolades this man has achieved, not once does he brag; Herbie Hancock at every opportunity attributes his successes to a host of others, whether it be his mother or Miles Davis.

This is what makes it interesting and an excellent listen. Even though there are some (though not many, to be fair) technical parts, particularly about groundbreaking keyboard technology, there is the feeling if being in the pleasant company of a very interesting, knowledgeable and kind person, such is the warmth that come through. In fact, Herbie himself acknowledges that these parts may sound like "alphabet soup" to the uninitiated!

It is peppered with great anecdotes about Miles, Donald Byrd, Wynton Marsalis as well as being frank enough to talk about some of the more challenging episodes of his life.

Was sad when it came to an end - the mark of a great listen.

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Fascinating!

Fantastic audiobook narrated by Herbie himself. as a casual jazz (and funk) fan I learnt so much about his journey, and his insights into Buddhism were fascinating. highly recommended!

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