From Music Matters impressive 33rpm Reissue Series, one of the best Blue Note titles and memorable Herbie Hancock session recorded by Rudy Van Gelder. Audiophile mastering from Original Analog Master Tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio on 33rpm 180 gram virgin vinyl pressed at RTI and presented in a luxurious gatefold cover with stunning high resolution session photos.

• Limited Edition of Only 3500 Copies
• Cut from the Original Rudy Van Gelder Blue Note Master Tapes
• Remastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio
• 100% Analog Mastering and Cutting
• Pressed on 180 Gram Virgin vinyl at RTI USA
• Deluxe gatefold cover with high resolution session photos

Throughout his career, Herbie Hancock has always pushed the boundaries, exploring a wide variety of music while bringing his flair to every setting. His Blue Note albums of the 1960s ranged from post bop to Latin jazz (he penned "Watermelon Man"), straight ahead to free form. Empyrean Isles, recorded when Hancock was 24 and a new member of the Miles Davis Quintet, features the pianist pushing at the boundaries of hard bop, creating fresh, new music.

In a quartet with Freddie Hubbard, Ron Carter and Tony Williams, Hancock shows that he was familiar with both avant-garde jazz and groovin' R&B. His four compositions include the original and most exciting version of "Cantaloupe Island" and the swingingly unpredictable "One Finger Snap." Empyrean Isles brims with the power and adventure of the best 1960s Jazz, pushing ahead into uncharted territory.

Musicians:

Herbie Hancock, piano
Freddie Hubbard, cornet
Ron Carter, bass
Anthony Williams, drums

Track Listing:

Side A
1. One Finger Snap
2. Oliloqui Valley

Side B
1. Cantaloupe Island
2. The Egg

Click here to listen to samples on AllMusic.com ♫