By Jack Arnhold, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – This Monday, November 19th, legendary jazz pianist Herbie Hancock stops by at Rio’s Km de Vantagens Hall, in Barra da Tijuca, to play a one-off concert as part of his 2018 tour. This performance in Rio is only one of two concerts he is playing in Brazil this year.
As a member of the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, Hancock established his reputation as a pioneer and innovator, developing not only new approaches to jazz composition and performance, but also to the way jazz was recorded in the studio.
Two of his solo albums, 1964’s ‘Empyrean Isles’ and 1965’s ‘Maiden Voyage’ are still considered among the most influential jazz albums of that decade, marking what would continue to be Hancock’s unique blend of experimentation and accessibility.
While returning late from his honeymoon in Brazil cost him his place in the Miles Davis Quintet, Hancock has enjoyed a lasting and warm relationship with the country, playing here many times at various jazz venues and festivals and even collaborating with Brazilian artists such as Milton Nascimento and Céu.
Hancock has picked up an incredible 14 Grammy Awards throughout his six decade career, and he has collaborated with musicians from the worlds of jazz, pop, rock, and beyond, including Al Di Meola, Paul Simon, and Thundercat.
Among his other achievements are the title of ‘Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres,’ awarded to him by French Prime Minister François Fillon. Hancock has also been designated a Goodwill Ambassador by UNESCO, and in 2016, he was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is currently working on a new album, and this concert in Rio will be a perfect opportunity to see this true legend of the jazz world celebrating his monumental talents.
What: Herbie Hancock
When: Monday, November 19th, 9:30 PM
Where: Km De Vantagens Hall, Via Parque Shopping – Av. Ayrton Senna, 3000 – Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22775-904
Entrance: R$70 – R$420; available here