This album by the Dick Oats/Mats Holmquist Jazz Orchestra is not only a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s pen, but more specifically to his pen of the early to mid sixties and his Headhunters gazillion seller. Nothing from his last 30 years, which should tell you something about Hancock’s influence.
The arrangements by Homquist have some creative works on the brass and reed sections, playing “Peek a boo” on a funky “Chameleon” and some staggering section work on a sunny “Maiden Voyage.” Adam Birnbaum’ s piano is graceful on “Dolphin Dance” and there is fire in the belly of Joe Magnarelli/tp and Walt Weiskopf/ts as John Riley’s drums drive hard on “Eye Of The Hurricane.” The horns are warm on “Stevie R.” and all throughout, the harmonies are fragrant, most noticeably on “Toys,” reflecting a hint to the original session way back when. The good thing about this al bum is that it doesn’t necessarily make you crave for the originals; they hold well on their own merits.