|
|
|
|
During the making of the jazz pioneer’s 2005 album Possibilities, Herbie Hancock describes the project as an opportunity to try new things in his collaborations with up-and-comers (Damien Rice, Joss Stone), pop stars (Christina Aguilera, John Mayer) and old favorites (Paul Simon, Carlos Santana). The concept is not unlike Santana’s own Supernatural, which became a hit riding on the coattails of its famous guests. But Possibilities has more of a pop slant than the work that the jazz great is known for, like Maiden Voyage or the funk classic Headhunters.
Hancock’s desire to break new ground musically is admirable but, in this documentary at least, the results are mixed. Each track gets its own focus, which varies in length but can become tedious if the collaborator is not compelling or unable to match Hancock in musical ability. Considering his staggering career, this is no easy task. Mayer, who is often lauded for his skills as a guitarist, plays a brand of pop-rock that makes him seem like a beginner compared to Hancock, while an icon like Simon is able to hold his own. It’s no fluke that the most interesting parts of the film center on Hancock’s own history, including footage from his tenure playing with Miles Davis or a look into Hancock’s fascination with technology, which made him a pop star in his own right with the MTV favorite “Rockit.” However, Hancock’s warm personality is the film’s best attribute and it’s hard not share in his excitement for the music every time he reveals that toothy grin.
The film ends with Hancock, saxophonist Wayne Shorter (who also appears on Possibilities), and Santana’s 2005 trip to Japan on the 60th anniversary of the atomic bomb. The segment feels tacked on but gives great insight into Hancock, a spiritual man who cares deeply for music. But if that same deep enthusiasm is not shared by the audience, Herbie Hancock: Possibilities will not be more than a promo for the album. Molly Eichel
April 14, 2006
