Album Review: Herbie Hancock, "Possibilities"

It's more than likely that "Possibilities" will be a major hit. The album features an all-star cast, including Paul Simon, Christina Aguilera , John Mayer (, Sting and Trey Anastasio It's a natural successor to such Grammy-dominating, multi-platinum efforts as Carlos Santana's "Supernatural" and Ray Charles' "Genius Loves Company." The thing is, it's better than either of those records.

The only potential stumbling block--and it's a big one--is that its author, Herbie Hancock, isn't as familiar a name to the general public as either Santana or Charles. Most people don't think of the great jazz pianist as someone who has performed with the likes of Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter and Michael Brecker. They think of him as the man who gave us the '80s-hit "Rockit."
Well, think again.
"Possibilities" is stunning from start to finish, with nary a weak moment to be found. It kicks off with the radio-friendly "Stitched Up," a solid piece of pop-rock that features a breathy Mayer on vocals, and slides naturally into the groovy Latin-flavored "Safiatou," which showcases Santana on guitar and Angelique Kidjo at the mic.
Paul Simon lays down his best vocal work in years on a cuddly version of "I Do It for Your Love" and Sting does a great job revisiting "Sister Moon." One of the album's many surprises is how well the team of Joss Stone and Jonny Lang handles the B.B. King/U2-number "When Love Comes to Town." It's no surprise, however, that Anastasio and Hancock--two masters of improvisation--prove to be a natural pairing on "Gelo No Montana."
In an album full of bright lights, the true highlight to be found on "Possibilities" is Christina Aguilera's head-spinning take on "A Song for You." It will make you reconsider everything you think you already know about this "Genie in a Bottle."
The same can be said for Hancock. For those who only know him from "Rockit," this sensational CD should be a truly eye-opening experience.

by Jim Harrington liveDaily Contributor