‘SYNTHESISERS PUT TOGETHER
THE TWO THINGS I LOVED - MUSIC AND SCIENCE’
Return of rocki man
Kenny Mathieson considers the diverse musical career of pianist HERBIE HANCOCK as he makes his Triptych debut.
erbie Hancock made his name with the seminal Miles Dayis Quintet of the mid-(ills. and went on to become one of the best-known names in ja//.
His standing did not stop there. howeyer. The success of
his electric fusion bands in the early 70s. notably llctlil/iiliilt'rs and the disco-oriented ‘Rockit' band. brought his music to a whole new audience that may neyer have listened to acoustic ja/r. but lapped up llerbie‘s funky dancelioor yibe.
The pianist has been working happily between acoustic and electric formats eyer since. bill if Dayis' quintet was the vehicle that allowed him to cement his reputation as a major performer in ja/r. the trumpeter also proy'ided his first taste of electric keyboards.
‘The yery first time I got to play an electric instrument was on the Miles iii Illt’ Sky- album in l‘lbb‘. I walked into the studio expecting to play acoustic piano. and there was a Fender Rhodes there. I had never paid any attention to one before. and I held the opinion — without eyer haying played one — that this was not an instrument to be taken seriously.
‘I couldn't belieye Miles wanted me to play this thing. and I turned it on with a smirk on my face. and played a chord on it. and l loyed it! That really taught me a lesson. and that was not to accept somebody else's opinion. but check it out myself before 1 formed an opinion. and l haye been trying to do that eyer since.‘
Hancock's Visits to Scotland mm the past decade haye looked back to both Dayis' acoustic quintet twith original members Wayne Shorter. Ron Carter and Tony Williams back in 1992) and a contemporary yersion his own Mwandishi group of the early 70s.
His latest l'K y'isit takes in both Triptych with his quartet. and a residency at the Barbican in London in which he leads his new acotistic quartet. works with the London Symphony Orchestra. as well as collaborating with electronica artists like (‘arl (‘raig and DJ Spooky. The cutting edge of technology is a place where he feels comfortable.
‘\\'hen synthesisers came along. it was the first time i thought that the two things I loy'ed. which were science and music. could be put together. So. with digital technology. I was the first one out of the gate. trying to put things together that weren‘t made to be put together.
‘.-\I the same time it's easy to lose your humanity when you're overwhelmed with technology and tools. and our task as masicians is to rise the technology to continue to make music that moyes people.’
The pianist put his money where his mouth was in creating the Rhythm of Life Foundation. an organisation that aims to proyide financial support for indiyiduals or
companies Using technology for the adyancement of
humanity. a layourite theme that the pianist often brings up in his on-stage introductions.
‘\\'hat establishes Value is something that is going to mow humanity forward. The thing that we possess and machines don‘t is the ability to exhibit wisdom. and without that. the future has no meaning. no valuable purpose. We haye the capacity to manifest wisdom through creatiyity. and that focus is key at this point in my life.‘
The Herbie Hancock Quartet play the Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 1 May.
Triptych A fun-packed weekend of musical waywardness. from the rattling stomp of the Fall to the verbose rumble of Roots Manuva via the soulful musings of Plantlife. See previews. pages 34. 35. 69 & 70. Various venues, Glasgow and Edinburgh, Thu 28 Apr—Sun 7 May. (Rock 8 Pop. Jazz) > '1 Courtney Pine Always a popular visitor in these parts. the saxophonist opens the Dundee Jazz Festival with his trademark jazz-meets-souI/funk vibe. Caird Hall, Dundee, Fri 29 Apr. (Jazz)
ldlewild and Sons and Daughters Rounding up this UK jaunt in fine company, ldlewild treat us to a magical slice of pop pie. all home-grown produce. Barrow/and. Glasgow, Sat 2 May; Usher Hall, Edinburgh, Sun 3 May. (Rock)
Mike Watt A proper indie legend. Watt has abused his trusty four-stringer as part of Minutemen, firehose. Sonic Youth and the Stooges. solo he’s a witty, modest and thoughtful fella. Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh, Wed 4 May; Mono, Glasgow, Thu 5 May. (Rock)
The Arcade Fine After the melancholy brilliance of the Dears comes another worryingly talented group of Canadians, Montreal’s Arcade Fire, a breathy bunch whose uplifting, expansive pop is set to win hearts on grand scale. See preview, page 71. GUU. Glasgow, Thu 5 May. (Rock)
r Potter Wettre Quintet Hard- hitting and adventurous jazz from the Norwegian saxman and his stellar band featuring two more saxophonists, Frode Nymo and Knut Riisnaes. Henry ’3 Jaz Cellar, Edinburgh, Sat 7-Sun 8 May. (JaZ) .1. Mylo Depite endorsments from Elton John, Mylo (pictured) has still managed to prosper spectacularly over the last year, proving that damn catchy dance music doesn't ever go out of fashion. Barrow/and, Glasgow, Thu 12 May (Rock)
28 Apr—‘2 Ma, 2-905 THE LIST 89