A bona fide classic.
That beautiful Englewood Cliffs sound just blasts out of the speakers. Tony Williams’ cymbal mastery is clear, bright and crisp and Hubbards’ cornet just cuts through everything. Seems this title was cut very hot! The volume is impressive.
This is one of those Hancock titles on Blue Note I’ve been after for a long time. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been looking for titles by three of the top post bop artists, namely Hancock, Shorter and Henderson, on Blue Note, but found it very difficult to find original mono pressings of them. I’ve managed to find a few, like In ’n Out, Inner Urge, Mode for Joe, Speak No Evil and Inventions & Dimensions. The Shorters and Hancocks have been the toughest to find. Empyrean Isles is the latest addition in my pursuit of these titles. Extremely happy to have found it at last. In top shape as well, and for a reasonable price. When it comes to Hancock titles on the want list, Maiden Voyage is at the very top.
The personell on this masterpiece are all masters on their respective intrument. They are: Herbie on piano, Freddie Hubbard on cornet (which is quite cool, instead of trumpet), Ron Carter on double bass and Tony Williams on drums. Love this group.
My favorite tune on the album is ”Oliloqui Valley” but all of the tunes, all written by the leader, are fantastic.
It’s been a long search, but I can finally pull Empyrean off the shelf and enjoy this classic.