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Herbie Hancock: Possibilities  By  cover art

Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

By: Herbie Hancock, Lisa Dickey
Narrated by: Herbie Hancock
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Publisher's summary

The long-awaited memoir by one of the most influential and beloved musicians of our time.

In Herbie Hancock legendary jazz musician and composer Herbie Hancock reflects on a thriving career that has spanned seven decades. A true innovator, Hancock has had an enormous influence on both acoustic and electric jazz, R&B and hip-hop, with his ongoing exploration of different musical genres, garnering 14 Grammy Awards along the way.

From his beginnings as a child prodigy to his work in Miles Davis's second great quintet; from his innovations as the leader of his own groundbreaking sextet to his collaborations with everyone from Wayne Shorter to Joni Mitchell and Stevie Wonder; Herbie Hancock reveals the method behind Hancock's undeniable musical genius.

Hancock discusses his musical influences, colorful behind-the-scenes stories, his long and happy marriage, and how Buddhism inspires him creatively and personally. Honest, enlightening, and as electrifyingly vital as the man who wrote it, Herbie Hancock promises to be an invaluable contribution to jazz literature and a must-read for fans and music lovers.

©2014 Penguin Audio (P)2014 Herbie Hancock

Critic reviews

"Herbie Hancock has led a fascinating life. And the story of that life makes a fascinating book." (Peter Keepnews, The New York Times Book Review, Editor’s Choice)

"Few jazz biographies are perfect, though Hancock’s Possibilities come closer than some." (Kevin Whitehead, Fresh Air)

"[Possibilities is] very effective at its paramount task: getting the reader to dig into the catalog of this restless jazz genius with newly edified ears." (The Boston Globe)

What listeners say about Herbie Hancock: Possibilities

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Breath-taking book about jazz and life

Listening Herbie reading his book was an amazing experience. I kearnt so much about music and life.

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Awesome, Honest, Funny, Interesting!

As a fan of music and a fan of jazz and autobiographies this is far and away my favorite autobiography ever and the fact that it was read by the author made it even that much more special. absolutely a must-read!

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Smiled throughout the book

A wonderful story. And read by Herbie made it even better.I would highly recommend this to anyone and especially to jazz fans.

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2 people found this helpful

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Music, life, spirituality at it's best

Loved it. Was glad to hear the author read the book. A great honest account of music, life, spirituality, and growth. AWESOME.

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Hancock lives in solutions mode.

Mr.Hancock explains how to experience music in very gentle way. He examines by taking it apart,and it becomes more when he puts it back together.He is truly a musician,who has through his searches of different varieties of artists and music genre has led him to knowing that we all have come from one source..

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Tell it like it was, is and will be...

If you only do one audio book this year make Herbie Hancock's Possibilities that book. What a feast! As a musician, student and lover of life experiences I have to say it winds its way right into your heart. Feeds the soul and mind.

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  • 01-08-15

Superb Storytelling

Superb and engaging storytelling by the man himself. Thank you Herbie for such wonderful gift to us all! I feel like I grew as a person and as a musician. I was enthralled by each step of his musical journey and bold decisions he made. As a Catholic, I appreciated Mr. Hancock sharing his experience with truths he has gained from Nichiren Buddhism. Please don't let that aspect turn you away. There is so much richness of person shared in his memoir and likewise so much music! And I hope other living musical legends like Bela Fleck will take this format and deep exploration of their life and career and share their amazing story both in print and self narration.

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Might be the best audiobook I've ever listened to.

Herbie Hancock reads his own life story and he is really good at it. This book and Herbie's narration are pretty much exactly as wonderful as you'd expect them to be. Definitely worth the time.

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I loved the journey!

I recommend to anyone who wants to get inspired to create and recreate themselves!

Thanks Herbie for sharing such amazing stories!

Nam myoho renge kyo!

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Buddhism, Miles Davis, and Fat Albert Rotunda

Compelling autobiography that is only enhanced by Herbie’s narration. Good stuff, especially the Miles Davis stories.

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