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Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

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Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

By: Herbie Hancock, Lisa Dickey
Narrated by: Herbie Hancock
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About this listen

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 Cultural & Regional Entertainment & Celebrities Music Celebrity Musician Inspiring Thought-Provoking

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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)

All stars
Most relevant  
Did not want it to EVER end
Must read and not put down or turn off until the end
Inspirational heaven - amazing Herbie 🙏🙏

The best book in a long time 🙏

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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.

Great biography

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I really enjoyed hearing Herbie read his own life story. He is so personable. It was such a pleasure to listen. He has had such an amazing musical life.

A pleasure for jazz fans.

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

Epic. Must read.

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Amazing and inspiring on all levels. Herbie’s delivery is fantastic. Wonderful to hear one of the great artists of our age recounting his own story.

Just fantastic

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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.

Magnanimous Masterpiece

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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.

from psychadelics to budhism

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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

Really inspiring

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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.

Fab

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I was a fan of Herbie Hancock’s music before I listened to this fantastic audiobook, but I didn’t realise how incredible and varied his musical output is; he’s been constantly innovating, exploring new sounds, changing styles, learning. He’s such good company to listen to- intelligent, fascinating, honest. I have recommended this to a lot of people. Any musician would benefit from listening to this. I could put it on again from the beginning. I liked him before, now i love him. What a dude. Thank you for these inspiring hours in your company. Now Im going to listen to the Joni letters.

The most inspiring audiobook I’ve ever heard

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