In 2007, the legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock released his 47th studio album, River: The Joni Letters, a tribute to his friend and collaborator, Joni Mitchell. The record was an unexpected commercial and critical blockbuster, winning the Grammy Award in 2008 for Album of the Year over fellow nominees Kanye West, the Foo Fighters and other popular artists. Accompanied on several tracks by saxophonist Wayne Shorter, Hancock invited in a who’s who of premier vocalists to craft unique covers of Mitchell’s hits as well as some of her deeper album cuts. The entire album is a rewarding listen.
We feature here the track “Edith And the Kingpin,” featuring a lovely lead vocal by the great Tina Turner. Turner displays all of her powers here; her agility, softness and subtlety with a small jazz combo firing up a slow-burner may surprise those who only know her for her big-voiced soul and pop hits. Enjoy.
In 2007, the legendary jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock released his 47th studio album, River: The Joni Letters, a tribute to his friend and collaborator, Joni Mitchell. The record was an unexpected commercial and critical blockbuster, winning the Grammy Award in 2008 for Album of the Year over fellow nominees Kanye West, the Foo Fighters and other popular artists. Accompanied on several tracks by saxophonist Wayne Shorter, Hancock invited in a who’s who of premier vocalists to craft unique covers of Mitchell’s hits as well as some of her deeper album cuts. The entire album is a rewarding listen.
We feature here the track “Edith And the Kingpin,” featuring a lovely lead vocal by the great Tina Turner. Turner displays all of her powers here; her agility, softness and subtlety with a small jazz combo firing up a slow-burner may surprise those who only know her for her big-voiced soul and pop hits. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk