Herbie Hancock is an icon of jazz. He has won 14 Grammy awards, an Oscar for the soundtrack of “Round Midnight” and countless followers around the globe. At age 82, and spanning a career which is in its 7th decade, he is as vital and modern as ever and continues to amass and amaze large audiences. Having graduated from the Miles Davis Quintet in the 60ies and formed his own band called the Headhunters he continuously explores the possibilities of bringing heritage and new directions in jazz together in a current melting pot of jazz, funk, hip hop and other genres (”Possibilities” is also the title of his highly recommended autobiography).
Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke and Justin Tyson at the ZMF-Freiburg 2022
This years gig at the Zelt Musik Festival (ZMF) in Freiburg was part of his European tour which also brought him to Montreux and Glastonbury. With him on the bandstand was a fantastic ensemble comprised of James Genus (Bass), Lionel Loueke (Guitar / Vocals) and Justin Tyson (Drums). These extraordinary musicians not only represent the journey which Herbie Hancock has undertaken to influence and arrive in the now, but also some of the future of jazz. Unfortunately, master trumpeter Terence Blanchard, while being part of most of the tour, couldn’t join this particular gig, and I am sure Herbie would have loved to also have his close friend and fellow Buddhist Wayne Shorter with him on stage as well. It was a nice gesture that he wished him an early 89th birthday.
– Below are some portraits and impressions taken during this wonderful evening.
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock & Lionel Loueke – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Lionel Loueke – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Lionel Loueke – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Lionel Loueke – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Lionel Loueke – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
James Genus & Justin Tyson – ZMF Freiburg 2022
James Genus – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Justin Tyson – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Justin Tyson – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke and James Genus – ZMF Freiburg 2022
James Genus – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock, Lionel Loueke & Justin Tyson – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
Herbie Hancock – ZMF Freiburg 2022
If you like to see more of Jazz, check out my featured images in the “Portraits in Jazz” section or individual sessions in the “blog”. Hopefully they inspire you to go to a club near by and experience it all live.