Herbie Hancock explains how he composed Watermelon Man and how Mongo Santamaria influenced it. He then performs both the original 1962 and the 1973 Headhunters versions.
Herbie is not a piano player, he is a genius. Just takes it out on keyboards. I am totally amazed on how he thinks about music and his projects he has done in the last 20yrs
This kicks some serious ass - and a wonderful example of how musicians can take a melody and transform it and give it a completely different feel. One of our greatest living musicians. And to think he was 23 when he wrote this and then got asked to join the Miles Davis band.
Don't ever pass on a chance to see Herbie Hancock perform. Saw him last year at Weil Hall's Green Music Center on the campus of Sonoma State. An awesome show. He loves to share the story behind the music.
"Mongo" Santamaría (April 7, 1917 - February 1, 2003) was a rumba quinto master and an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist. He was an integral figure in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B and soul, paving the way for the boogaloo era of the late 1960s. His 1963 hit rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" (recorded on December 17, 1962) was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
It is just a real artistic experience to listen to a composer perform his music. This guy is just fantastic...was early in his career and he just keeps getting better all the time!
+Petar Steinberg Thank you! You certainly get what I could never, possibly find English words to express. Only our ancestors, deep down in Africa, at the very least back 5,000 years ago, can find words to explain what Herbie Hancock is doing here. I don't think he himself has a clue what he is doing. I know for a fact that our ancestors chose him to convey a message we still need to sort out and understand!!!
This brother is still awesome. Can still play the heck out of that song "Watermelon Man". Got the chance to catch him in concert some 6 years ago and he threw down. This interview here with Elvis Costello was quite insightful.
I am 14 y.o. I admire Mr.Herbie Hancock for his musicianship and as a human being. Last year (I was 13 y.o.) he played with me at the O2 World in Berlin. If you want to watch, here is the video: HERBIE HANCOCK jamming with 13 y.o. GEORGIE HERRERA at O2 World Berlin. Cantaloupe Island
That is amazing cuz u can actually see that Herbie enjoys playing like a little child and he dances to the sound of his own music! Such an amazing artist
Excellent clip - thanks! I've always adored Hancock and this extrapolation of Watermelon Man is amazing. He's a genius: erudite, brave, innovative and unique.
Don't understand how Mango Santimaria did not see the connection between Afro-American and Afro-Cuban link. When it was Dizzy Gillespee and Chano Pozo who first collaborated the 1940's. with song Manteca.
A Master At Work. Shows the depth of creativity with which an artist consorts, to which an artist can stretch with an idea. Blues!!!! Jazzy BluesyJazz. Simple, yet so profound/deceptively so. That's it-when you make it look easy because its inya..
Dude is in his 70s and he doesn't look a day over 45
Herbie is not a piano player, he is a genius. Just takes it out on keyboards. I am totally amazed on how he thinks about music and his projects he has done in the last 20yrs
Mr. Hancock is a Master, and the world benefits from his existence.
Christian McBride laying down a SERIOUS groove here!
+Luke Conklin Super Dope... Honestly made the entire thing groove...
What a fucking groove this drummer has. You can't teach that, natural talent.
***** You are right, I believe some have an amazing natural groove from the get go though. Guys like Purdie, Al Jackson Jr, Dennis Chambers.
Karriem Riggins on drums in case anyone was wondering. Detroit in the house!!
damn good
I was Like....he looks like Karriem, let me check the comments LOL
The drummer's strokes are smooth as hell..
This kicks some serious ass - and a wonderful example of how musicians can take a melody and transform it and give it a completely different feel. One of our greatest living musicians. And to think he was 23 when he wrote this and then got asked to join the Miles Davis band.
Don't ever pass on a chance to see Herbie Hancock perform. Saw him last year at Weil Hall's Green Music Center on the campus of Sonoma State. An awesome show. He loves to share the story behind the music.
"Mongo" Santamaría (April 7, 1917 - February 1, 2003) was a rumba quinto master and an Afro-Cuban Latin jazz percussionist. He was an integral figure in the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms with R&B and soul, paving the way for the boogaloo era of the late 1960s. His 1963 hit rendition of Herbie Hancock's "Watermelon Man" (recorded on December 17, 1962) was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.
Herbie Hancock is one of the greatest musicians of all time! :)
I can see where Cory got some of his inspiration for the Lingus solo
I was just thinking exactly the same thing!
Grew up listening to this... and it never gets old. Great post of a musical history that should be told again and again.
It is just a real artistic experience to listen to a composer perform his music. This guy is just fantastic...was early in his career and he just keeps getting better all the time!
This man is a god.
+Petar Steinberg In total accord!!!
+Petar Steinberg Thank you! You certainly get what I could never, possibly find English words to express. Only our ancestors, deep down in Africa, at the very least back 5,000 years ago, can find words to explain what Herbie Hancock is doing here. I don't think he himself has a clue what he is doing. I know for a fact that our ancestors chose him to convey a message we still need to sort out and understand!!!
This brother is still awesome. Can still play the heck out of that song "Watermelon Man". Got the chance to catch him in concert some 6 years ago and he threw down. This interview here with Elvis Costello was quite insightful.
I am 14 y.o. I admire Mr.Herbie Hancock for his musicianship and as a human being. Last year (I was 13 y.o.) he played with me at the O2 World in Berlin. If you want to watch, here is the video: HERBIE HANCOCK jamming with 13 y.o. GEORGIE HERRERA at O2 World Berlin. Cantaloupe Island
It is so much fun to enjoy pure genius, even if it is a recording. Thanks Mr. Hancock for wonderful music over the many years!
Never get tired of this song...Like the story too...
That is amazing cuz u can actually see that Herbie enjoys playing like a little child and he dances to the sound of his own music! Such an amazing artist
Happy 76th Birthday Herbie Hancock!
Chicago, IL struggles has produced so many greats
Love the bass line part
Met the man twice in Bombay! A true giant. Gentle and cool.
herbie oozes class
Love the Funk-ness that happens @ 4:41
He makes that Korg freakin' SING!!
one of his greatest tunes
A stone cold groove, daddio!
i love these creative stories
Great tune, wonderful story and superbly talented musician who never seems to age! This is tremendous...thanks for posting!
This is the greatest trio I have ever seen by far, Absoloutly fabulous interpretation of this great tune
Thanks for sharing!!! Great to know the history of this great tune!
Excellent clip - thanks! I've always adored Hancock and this extrapolation of Watermelon Man is amazing. He's a genius: erudite, brave, innovative and unique.
1962 is what I like.....cool!!!!
...so good mister hancock !!!
I can't give you but my love, Hancock!
amazing I play this at school its the best but when its your first time its hard
He's one of my all time favorite Piano Players. Like Erroll Garner too :-)
legendary drummer
Always off the charts!
Happy Birthday Herbie Hancock (April 12)
The Best of the Best!!!!!!
4:40 my favorite part :D
one of the greatest. musicians I can think of
Heavy...Pure talent....Class.
Thanks for sharing. Always good to know the backstory of a classic tune. And who better than from the composer itself.
I never usually liked Jazz trios until I heard this
Quite possibly my favorite composition.
This is it HERBIE for me! & my man Chicanos got it all!
Im 11 and he inspires me
he's talking to Elvis Costello. Interesting interview.
Great Jazz! always a favorite.
Don't understand how Mango Santimaria did not see the connection between Afro-American and Afro-Cuban link. When it was Dizzy Gillespee and Chano Pozo who first collaborated the 1940's. with song Manteca.
Happy Birthday, Herbie Hancock!
A Master At Work. Shows the depth of creativity with which an artist consorts, to which an artist can stretch with an idea. Blues!!!! Jazzy BluesyJazz. Simple, yet so profound/deceptively so. That's it-when you make it look easy because its inya..
from the 73` er Album "Head Hunter" which was a great one
He's the best of the best
super! what a great story
This made me sway and as an added bonus, it made me happy!
Herbie jammed the shit out of this run
He makes it look so easy.
I love him Herbie Hancock
Thx Cllaude Gallichand for finding this great story of a wonderful tune.
This is da sheet! I gotta go put on the old Headhunters now - damn!
That's it Chicago HERBIE & my man! That's us!
this is awesome
MAN O MAN.. .. .. Thanks for posting!
Pretty interesting stuff. Thanks for posting!
JAZZ-GUAJIRA. Wow master Herbie!
Amazing!
Saw him at UNC, amazing
What a cool cat.
Legend !
Very high level!
super wersja !!!
AMAZZING
Dig that groove
exquisito....sonido
That's it HERBIE & my man here we g! It's " ON"
LOL. Every single video of a famous jazz pianist giving a talk and playing has them using either a Bosendorfer or a Fazioli.
wow this is really great!!
Great song but the version from head hunters is my favorite
Ten viewers don't like watermelons.
DEVINE
Who is that on bass and drums? Some serious groove....
On drums im not sure but on bass its Christian McBride
Thank you, colafass :)
No problem, Ive seen him live.
Insane experience...
You should check out his trio
Will do. Cheers man
Pretty sure it's Christian McBride on bass
man first conguero i ever heard mongo still influenced me today herbie ur right
I sho loves me some watermelon, man. The second version was sho nuff funky stuff.
That 1 dislike is Watermelon Man !!
Explanation ends at 3:53
Just really thinking about Joe Sample and others that have gone on to gig in the heavens.
rick solo Joe sample was great also I would agree with you on that
Christian McBride on bass ?
+j0c0b Definitely!!!
Superbe
eric Herbomel superbie
frig GENIUS :p
This reminds me of the bossa nova in Gran Turismo.
Always wonder if musicians like Herbie, can just play a tune automatically or do they need to practice....
Damn! This group is so good! Does anyone know the name of the bassist and drummer?
I know that the bassist is Cristian Mcbride,a great musician who worked with many others artists like Sting
Kyle Pitcher Cristian McBride on bass and Karriem Riggins on the drums.
written in the year I was born !!
My Shining Hour- Stuart Mack Quintet
ooooooooooooo yes :)