HERBIE HANCOCK — Inventions & Dimensions (aka Succotash) (review)

HERBIE HANCOCK — Inventions & Dimensions (aka Succotash) album cover Album · 1964 · Post Bop Buy this album from MMA partners
3.5/5 ·
dreadpirateroberts
'Inventions & Dimensions' is a percussive album, and Hancock spends a certain amount of time in a more rhythmic frame of playing. Not to say that there are no solos (as this is still a bop album) but the mostly rhythmic quartet forces him to play a large amount of chords and provide the harmony with piano alone. In that sense, this is in some ways a perfect solo vehicle, with bass and percussion playing supporting roles. Drummer Willie Bobo, however, has a prominent place in the music, and is co-credited on the 1970s Blue Note reissue, named 'Succotash.'

Bobo does provide an inventive range of backing, often using his toms as part of the beat, rather than only relying on snare and cymbals. He moves from a lounge-pace to a more uptempo one, as on 'A Jump Ahead' or 'Jack Rabbit' where Hancock charges through chords and keeps his soloing nimble, as befitting the title. 'Succotash' is a great opener, with almost jagged playing from Hancock and a hypnotic beat.

The highlight of the record is easily 'Mimosa' which has an almost placid feel - at times it's delicate and soothing, and Hancock's playing is beautiful, foreshadowing moments on his next two albums. 'Mimosa' appears as an alternate take too, though it is fairly even between the two in terms of quality. At times, the rhythm section here almost sends me into a trance, if not for Herbie's soloing it probably would.

The lack of a brass section or additional instruments should make this a percussionists dream, but for piano fans too, this album is a showcase for improvisation, though having an alternate take of 'Mimosa' suggests this one at least, was not wholly improvised. In any event, this is a good album, even if all the pieces on it are not on a par with 'Mimosa' or 'Succotash.' Three and a half stars.
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