Possibilities
is a
Herbie Hancock
adventure record. This ten-cut smorgasbord features the ever restless pianist, composer, and arranger in the company of literally dozens of artists, from
pop
singers like
Christina Aguilera
,
Sting
, and
Annie Lennox
to
rock
legends such as
Santana
and
Paul Simon
to relative newcomers like
John Mayer
Jonny Lang
Joss Stone
, as well as some renowned international performers, such as
Angelique Kidjo
Raul Midon
in a wide range of songs, styles, and moods.
Hancock
cut the record in studios all over the world, all the collaborations were done face to face, not long distance. Session musicians here include everyone from
Stevie Wonder
(who plays the harmonica solo on the cover of his tune
"I Just Called to Say I Love You"
), to
Cyro Baptista
Willie Weeks
John Pattitucci
Steven Jordan
Gina Gershon
(the actress)! The standout cuts are the sensual read of
Leon Russell
's
"A Song for You,"
sung by
Aguilera
Simon
's jazzed-up revisioning of his
"I Do It for Your Love,"
Lennox
's read of
"Hush, Hush, Hush,"
written by
Paula Cole
(whatever happened to her?).
Jazz
fans may be disappointed, but
fans will be delighted; there is a lot here to like. ~ Thom Jurek