Reviewed by - Al Santana
"Exactly how you hear it, is exactly how it all went down." These are the first words, or lyrics, that John Mayer sings on "Stitched Up," to start this "record without borders...a tapestry that's woven with many colors," so says Herbie himself! It definitely lays out the groundwork to this project known as "Possibilities," a compilation effort spearheaded by one of the legends of music who has experienced just about every genre of music, and at the same time, be very influential in doing so. From working with Miles Davis to leading the "Jazz/Rock Fusion" movement in the 70's, Herbie Hancock is still one of the most respected names in the industry. And let's not forget his groundbreaking song (and video which you were able to catch on MTV..."Rock It"). It just so happens that at the time of this "first of it's time hip-hop recording," it was the #1 selling single in CBS Records history. Remember, we're talking about a label that housed such greats as Billy Joel and Santana, among others, and it was this hit from Herbie that took top honors as a single!
The last few years in the music industry have developed a number of compilation recordings that have resulted into a number of succesfull journeys. And eventhough this gathering didn't garnesh eight Grammy's like Santana's "Supernatural," it could have! It included songs that dealt with everything from "aids" (that forgotten 4 letter word, by the way), with the wonderful Annie Lennox (of Eurythmics fame), called "Hush Hush Hush," to "I Just Called To Say I love You," which features the incredible Raul Midon, to the Latin flavors of Santana with Angelique Kidjo on "Safiatou." A little bit of the blues walk in with "When Love Comes To Town," which features Jonny Lang and Joss Stone, followed by, not only a big band exit, but with a ballad by Danian Rice and Lisa Hannigan called "Don't Explain." Sting does a remake of "Sister Moon," which sounds good any time! Paul Simon does another ballad called "I Do It For Your Love."
But my favorite has to be "A Song For You" featuring the ever evolving Christina Aguilera. It was a big hit for Leon Russell and has been recorded by numerous others. Yet this rendering, which was performed at the 2006 Grammy's, takes the cake.
Anyway you cut it, to be able to gather the talent for an effort like this takes, not only a name like Herbie Hancock, but someone who understands what it takes to put it all together. It's not easy to gather all of these artists of different forms and make an attractive product. But when you're Herbie Hancock, it's easier "done than said," so to speak. The "possibilities" are endless! |
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