Why Maiden Voyage is (Almost) Herbie's Greatest Album
Today we're going on an aquatic journey with Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage. Herbie calls the title track is the best tune he's ever written. We dive deep into the music to explore what makes this tune, and this album, great. The roots of Maiden Voyage date back in 1963, when Herbie began hearing rumours that Miles Davis wanted to hear him play. He didn't believe it at first -- Miles was at the height of his celebrity by this point. But soon he got a call. He went over to Miles's house and played with him, George Coleman, Tony Williams and Ron Carter for three days. On the third day, Miles asks the group to come to studio to record Seven Steps to Heaven. Herbie says, "Does that mean I'm in the band?" Miles says, "You're making the record, mother f**cker!" After two years playing in what many call the one of the greatest jazz ensembles of all time, Herbie would release Maiden Voyage in 1965. Along with George, Tony and Ron, plus saxophonist Freddie Hubbard. Although it is one of his simplest tunes -- with a rhythm inspired by a cologne commercial -- Maiden Voyage would become a favourite and a standard among jazz musicans. In this episode, you'll hear:- Adam and Peter pick apart the greatest moments from the album, including some perfect solos- The story of the commercial roots of this jazz standard- Where the record got its aquatic theme- Why a great song starts with a great bassline (just ask Ron Carter)- How this record could have been even better ... if it weren't for that piano sound- Where we land on Van Gelder Sound controversy-----Keyboards? Albums we haven't covered. "Boomer" talk. We know you have opinions about this show. Help us make You'll Hear It better by sharing your feedback with us and answering a short survey. You could win one of three $100 Amazon gift cards! Visit youllhearitsurvey.com to learn more and fill out the survey.Want more Herbie Hancock content? Learn why Herbie's greatest era is not even jazz on last season's episode on Headhunters. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wM-_44deuSY
--------
1:00:23
--------
1:00:23
Paul Simon's 'Still Crazy...' Hits Harder Than Ever
Broken Record's Justin Richmond joins us to talk Still Crazy After All These Years. Paul Simon's Grammy-winning album was born out of divorce, and produced some of his greatest songs of all time, like 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, My Little Town and I Do It For Your Love.We dive into the story behind this remarkable album, including Steve Gadd's famous drum beat and how Stevie Wonder's Innervisions may have been the catalyst for Paul Simon's divorce?! Plus - Adam shares why this has been such a transformative album for him, and how it influenced his playing. And, we ask: Is this the ultimate sad boy album? Is this the apex moment of boomerism? We kick off our new season with these questions and so much more!
--------
1:38:42
--------
1:38:42
Season Finale: Testing Our Show Against Our Own Rules
We turn our own categories back on ourselves! We're looking back on the past 20 epiosdes, which we're calling You'll Hear It Season 12, and ask:- What are our apex moments? - What are our desert island tracks?- Is season 12 better than Kind of Blue?! And - we hear from you, dear listeners. You sent in your questions on Speakpipe, and we answer them. Plus - look ahead at what's coming up next season.☎️ Leave us a Speakpipe New to You'll Hear It? Start with these apex moments:🔴 What's Going On - Marvin Gaye 🔴 Talking Book - Stevie Wonder 🔴 (Honorable mention) Voodoo - D'AngeloLarry Goldings' Jazz Organ Essentials:🟠 Listen to Larry's favorite organ tracks 🔵 Start your FREE TRIAL to Larry's new course
--------
55:47
--------
55:47
From Sonata to Stank Face
The ultimate musical showdown: jazz vs classical. We bring in conductor Josh Weilerstein from the Sticky Notes podcast to compare, contrast and find the common ground among these two very different schools of music. From Duke Ellington's swinin' take on Peer Gynt to George Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue, we explore the tunes and the musicians blurring the line between jazz and classical. Josh, Adam and Peter each bring their own picks to the conversation, and have the best time breaking it all down.Nerdy? Extremely. Snobby? A little. Fun? Heck yeah!In this episode you'll hear:- Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major: Herbie Hancock vs the Cleveland Orchestra- How Duke Ellington made classical standards swingin'- Why Bartók matters to modern music - Two very different interpretations of Rhapsody In Blue- Brubeck’s Blue Rondo à la Turk: no improv, still loose- Miles Davis and Gil Evans doing AdagioCheck out Josh’s insightful dives into the classical canon on Sticky Notes podcast
--------
1:09:02
--------
1:09:02
The Best Thing To Ever Happen In 1960
John Coltrane’s Giant Steps isn’t just a jazz classic — it’s a rite of passage. Peter Martin and Adam Maness dig into what makes the album so technically punishing and emotionally electrifying. From the iconic solo on the title track to the symmetrical harmonies, the lightning-fast chord changes, the fiery swing of Cousin Mary, and the full-throttle chaos of Countdown, they unpack the brilliance, the feel, and the mythology. Whether you’ve studied this album or are hearing it with fresh ears, you’ll come away understanding Coltrane — and Giant Steps — like never before.You’ll hear:- Adam’s deep dive into Coltrane’s use of symmetrical harmony and lightning fast chord changes — and why it still stumps players today- A glimpse into Coltrane’s early years with Miles Davis and Dizzy Gillespie- The truth about Tommy Flanagan’s controversial solo — was he lost or just playing it cool?- How Giant Steps became the tune every jazz musician has to face- Apex moments, desert island tracks, and a spirited debate: is Giant Steps better than Kind of Blue?
A podcast about music - how to listen, play, practice, and enjoy. Listen for a combo of advice, insights, and occasional humor from pianists Peter Martin and Adam Maness. A podcast from Open Studio
Netherlands