Herbie Hancock collaborates with some of the biggest stars and music and helps them revamp a number of classic tunes on his new album, “Possibilities.” As previously reported, the 10-track set is due Aug. 30 via a consortium of Starbucks’ Hear Music, Vector and Hancock’s own Hancock Music imprint.
Enlivened by unlikely collaborations, “Possibilities” is highlighted by a piano/guitar/percussion-backed recording of Paul Simon’s “I Do It for Your Love,” featuring Simon. While the original (from 1975’s “Still Crazy After All These Years”) was a vaguely whimsical tale of a rainy day wedding, the new rendition strengthens the undercurrent of enduring romance with a heartfelt vocal performance by Simon and a spare but sparkling arrangement.
Elsewhere, Raul Midon covers his idol Stevie Wonder’s “I Just Called To Say I Love You” on a version that blends drumless, synth-heavy sections with moments of swinging piano jazz. Sting lends a hand on a new recording of his “Sister Moon” which is nearly double the length of the original on 1987’s “Nothing Like the Sun.”
Other collaborators sprinkled throughout include Carlos Santana, former Phish guitarist Trey Anastasio, John Mayer, Annie Lennox and, Christina Aguilera, the latter on a surprisingly effective cover of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You.”
Hancock is about to begin a five-night tour of Japan with Santana that kicks off July 27 in Yokohama.
Here is the track list for “Possibilities”:
“Stitched Up” featuring John Mayer
“Safiatou” featuring Carlos Santana and Angelique Kidjo
“A Song for You” featuring Christina Aguilera
“I Do It for Your Love” featuring Paul Simon
“Hush, Hush, Hush” featuring Annie Lennox
“Sister Moon” featuring Sting
“When Loves Comes to Town” featuring Joss Stone and Jonny Lang
“Don’t Explain” featuring Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan
“Gelo No Montana” featuring Trey Anastasio
“I Just Called To Say I Loved You” featuring Raul Midon
Source billboard.com.
