Herbie Hancock – Takin’ Off (Blue Note 80th Anniversary Edition)

What our staff has to say: “Early Hancock album. His first acoustic version of Watermelon Man. A 1962 Blue note album through and through.” – Jack

In honor of Blue Note Records’ 80th Anniversary, the legendary jazz label is launching the Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series. Distinct from the Tone Poet Audiophile Vinyl Reissue Series, this second series curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman features 180g vinyl LP releases in standard packaging with albums spanning the many eras of the label’s history presented by themes: Blue Note Debuts, Blue Grooves, Great Reid Miles Covers, Blue Note Live, and Blue Note Drummer Leaders. The series launches in May 2019 with the reissue of three remarkable Blue Note debuts – Herbie Hancock Takin’ Off, Dexter Gordon Doin’ Allright, and Robert Glasper Canvas – and will continue with three albums released each month for the coming year.

On his excellent debut album Takin’ Off – recorded and released in 1962 – jazz legend Herbie Hancock arrived fully formed at the helm of an impressive quintet with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, tenor saxophonist Dexter Gordon, bassist Butch Warren, and drummer Billy Higgins. Though rooted firmly in hard bop, the brilliant pianist and composer presented his own strikingly original voice on this auspicious six-song collection consisting entirely of his own compositions from the funky hit “Watermelon Man” to the timeless ballad “Alone and I.”

This Blue Note 80 Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Musicians:
Herbie Hancock, piano
Butch Warren, bass
Billy Higgins, drums
Dexter Gordon, tenor saxophone
Freddie Hubbard, trumpet

Features:
• Blue Note 80 Vinyl Reissue Series
• 180g vinyl LP
• Curated by Don Was and Cem Kurosman
• Theme: Blue Note Debuts (Part 1)
• All-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes
• Pressed at Optimal
• Standard packaging