Maiden Voyage

1	Maiden Voyage 7:57
2	The Eye of the Hurricane 6:01
3	Little One 8:47
4	Survival of the Fittest 10:03
5	Dolphin Dance 9:16

Barnes & Noble

Shortly after this now classic album was released, its title song was used in a Yardley perfume commercial; it's been one of jazz's most recognizable themes ever since. But every tune recorded on this single March day in 1965 -- the others are "Dolphin Dance" (now a standard), "The Eye of the Hurricane," "Survival of the Fittest," and "Little One" -- had an enormous impact on an entire generation of jazz musicians (and, years later, an entire generation of sample-happy hip-hoppers). With his fellow Miles Davis rhythm mates, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams, recently departed Davis tenorman George Coleman, and the fiery young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, Hancock sharpened his modal writing -- these have been called jazz tone poems -- and opened large vistas of space for the hot-to-trot soloists. Who had more influence on whom -- Miles on his young mid-'60s band or the band on the middle-aged trumpeter? -- doesn't matter, there was enough modal brilliance to go around. Lee Jeske

All Music Guide

Less overtly adventurous than its predecessor, Empyrean Isles, Maiden Voyage nevertheless finds Herbie Hancock at a creative peak. In fact, it's arguably his finest record of the '60s, reaching a perfect balance between accessible, lyrical jazz and chance-taking hard bop. By this point, the pianist had been with Miles Davis for two years, and it's clear that Miles' subdued yet challenging modal experiments had been fully integrated by Hancock. Not only that, but through Davis, Hancock became part of the exceptional rhythm section of bassist Ron Carter and drummer Tony Williams, who are both featured on Maiden Voyage, along with trumpeter Freddie Hubbard and tenor saxophonist George Coleman. The quintet plays a selection of five Hancock originals, many of which are simply superb showcases for the group's provocative, unpredictable solos, tonal textures, and harmonies. While the quintet takes risks, the music is lovely and accessible, thanks to Hancock's understated, melodic compositions and the tasteful group interplay. All of the elements blend together to make Maiden Voyage a shimmering, beautiful album that captures Hancock at his finest as a leader, soloist, and composer. Stephen Thomas Erlewine