Takin' Off marked Herbie Hancock's first album under his own name. All of the compositions are by the leader, who is backed by such stars as Dexter Gordon, Freddie Hubbard, Butch Warren, and Billy Higgins. The album includes one of Hancock's best known compositions, Watermelon Man, which made it to the Top 100 on the pop charts.
The tune would become a jazz standard, and would be covered by Mongo Santamaria, among others. Renowned jazz critic Leonard Feather stated the following about the LP: "As the first solo album by Herbie Hancock, this record will serve for many listeners as an introduction to the talents of a young and unmistakably promising artist who recently signed an exclusive Blue Note contract."
Tracklist
Side A
1. Watermelon Man
2. Three Bags Full
3. Empty Pockets
Side B
1. The Maze
2. Driftin'
3. Alone And I
Please note that Takin' Off (2017 Reissue) is currently not in store but is an imported title from an overseas supplier.
Most of the time it takes around 2-3 weeks for the item to arrive here and be sent out but it can take longer if there are any delays.