It's my first review of a real classic masterpiece in jazz. I often think about: Can we state that it's perfect about an album? Does any perfect album exist? I don't know that we should dare to say something like that... but Maiden voyage makes me think about it.
"The sea has often stirred the imagination of creative minds involved in all spheres of art. There still exists an element of mystery which surrounds the sea and the living aquatic creatures which provide it with its vital essence. Atlantis, the Sargasso Sea, giant serpents, and mermaids are only a few of the many folkloric mysteries which have evolved through man's experiences with the sea.
This music attempts to capture its vastness and majesty, the splendor of a sea-going vessel on its maiden voyage, the graceful beauty of the playful dolphins, the constant struggle for survival of even the tiniest sea creatures, and the awesome destructive power of the hurricane, nemesis of seamen." (Herbie Hancock, Maiden voyage)
Yes, it has the touch of mystery - and beauty as well. I've always liked the mix of these two components. And as you start listening to it: first it pulsates... than flows. As you hear the first rhythm, you fall into that atmosphere "in medias res". Than the saxophone and the trumpet plays together, and a beautiful, but unsteady colour starts to evolve - like a maiden voyage (from the dictionary: maiden voyage / maiden flight - done for the first time, usually about ships). Now have your maiden voyage with this album, listen to Herbie Hancock, one of the most famous jazz pianists, and such a great person who could create valuable and everlasting music in quite different musical styles, from classical jazz to fusion/funky.
Listen to samples on the BlueNote website: http://www.bluenote.com/ArtistDiscography.aspx?ArtistId=903322&PromoId=&UPCCode=724349533127
And a performance from a concert:
part 1:
part 2:
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