Herbie Hancock best recordings

****Educate me on the topic of Herbie if you feel so inclined****

Well, one of the few artists who merits owning every single recording that he has done. Possible to document the evolution of jazz and all it's peripheral influences on other genres from the '60s to the present. One could argue about stylistic issues, but not a single bad recording that I can think of in his discography.

****I'm looking for a somewhat wide soundstage in a fairly intimate live setting****

Easy! Not sure what you consider intimate, but for a live recording it's got to be "V.S.O.P." Three different periods and bands in his stylistic evolution are represented; but, the band that is essentially Miles' Quintet (with Freddie Hubbard "as Miles") that is the highlight. Great record.

If owning all of his records is not an option, ones that I would definitely make sure I have:

As a leader:

"Maiden Voyage", "Speak Like A Child", "Head Hunters", "Gershwin's
World"

As sideman:

Anything with Miles
Wayne Shorter "Speak No Evil", "Adam's Apple", "Native Dancer"
Hank Mobley "The Turnaround"
Milton Nascimento "Milton's"
Joni Mitchell "Mingus"
Jack DeJohnette "Parallel Realities"
Michael Brecker "Pilgrimage"

All these suggestions kick butt. Outstanding suggestions all. And Viridian, I love vocals and in particuar Norah's.

Thank You!
John

The River is a wonderful album. I'm not a big fan of Norah Jones. But her contributions here are fantastic. You won't regret it.

He won a Grammy with "The River". I Like!