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bakar's review
he had all the opportunity to talk about what a piece of shit cosby is and yet still focused on his early career and their relationship instead of calling him out. annoying ass bitch
jasoncomely's review
4.0
By being so open and honest about his addictions and flaws, Herbie has left himself open to criticism. However, his pioneering work in music speaks for itself- and this book is a riveting read.
toltzboy456's review against another edition
3.0
It was a good, breezy read. I would only recommend to fans of jazz, but if you like jazz, this book has a lot to offer in regards to stories and insight into how some of the best of it was made. Plus, Herbie exudes positivity, which is extremely refreshing. I can relate to him casting off his pretentious and snobby attitude in favor of embracing new ideas and compassion towards others. I can't say the writing is great, but it's serviceable. Overall, it was probably 3.5 stars.
Regardless, go listen to his music. It's so good.
Regardless, go listen to his music. It's so good.
tommyhousworth's review
5.0
Listening to Herbie Hancock tell his story on the audiobook edition of "Possibilities" is a treat. His prose and his narration are both incredibly conversational, so it feels like having a cup of coffee with this jazz master, rather than laboring through a chronology of accomplishments.
Most rewarding for me was learning how remarkably stable he's been in a field that has taken down more than its fair share of talents. He certainly experimented with drugs, but got away from them quickly (though crack cocaine comes into his life in the 90's for a brief and transformative time). He's been married to his wife Gigi for decades. He is aware of his place in the jazz pantheon but maintains an admirable level of humility and seems genuinely gracious anytime he's acknowledged by his peers or fans.
A good deal of this book deals with Herbie's deep devotion to Nichiren Buddhism and his reliance on it as a spiritual path throughout his adult life. He and Wayne Shorter are both practicing Buddhists and their practice has anchored their journeys through the world of music and their personal lives. As a Buddhist myself (though from a different tradition), it was wonderful to hear how transformative Mr. Hancock's devotion has been for him.
Of course, then there's the music. "Watermelon Man", "Cantaloupe Island", "Rockit", his Grammy winning work on "River: The Joni Letters". His work with the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, The Headhunters, and Mwandishi, and all the stories of his friendships with jazz legends and other musical artists.
Finally, there's Herbie's rich curiosity, which led him to study technology and become an early adopter of a variety of techniques that changed his sound and put him on the forefront as a true musical innovator.
This is a book that any jazz fan will cherish. It's also a book that many Buddhists will appreciate. While a hard copy is always agreeable, this is one of the rare self-narrated books by a musician that holds up as you listen. Herbie's humor, heart, and ease with who he is comes through as he tells his story.
Most rewarding for me was learning how remarkably stable he's been in a field that has taken down more than its fair share of talents. He certainly experimented with drugs, but got away from them quickly (though crack cocaine comes into his life in the 90's for a brief and transformative time). He's been married to his wife Gigi for decades. He is aware of his place in the jazz pantheon but maintains an admirable level of humility and seems genuinely gracious anytime he's acknowledged by his peers or fans.
A good deal of this book deals with Herbie's deep devotion to Nichiren Buddhism and his reliance on it as a spiritual path throughout his adult life. He and Wayne Shorter are both practicing Buddhists and their practice has anchored their journeys through the world of music and their personal lives. As a Buddhist myself (though from a different tradition), it was wonderful to hear how transformative Mr. Hancock's devotion has been for him.
Of course, then there's the music. "Watermelon Man", "Cantaloupe Island", "Rockit", his Grammy winning work on "River: The Joni Letters". His work with the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, The Headhunters, and Mwandishi, and all the stories of his friendships with jazz legends and other musical artists.
Finally, there's Herbie's rich curiosity, which led him to study technology and become an early adopter of a variety of techniques that changed his sound and put him on the forefront as a true musical innovator.
This is a book that any jazz fan will cherish. It's also a book that many Buddhists will appreciate. While a hard copy is always agreeable, this is one of the rare self-narrated books by a musician that holds up as you listen. Herbie's humor, heart, and ease with who he is comes through as he tells his story.
lindsayb's review against another edition
4.0
If you're into audiobooks, definitely consider giving this a listen. Hancock's delivery is so conversational, it feels like you're hanging out together as he tells you all about his life. I appreciate how he calls himself out on some of the BS he's pulled, though the degree to which he claimed to be unassuming (like, nearly every situation) triggers a little side eye in me. Regardless, the man has had an incredible career, and I enjoyed getting his take on life. Certainly one of the better music memoirs out there.
rpcroke's review against another edition
3.0
A really fun and interesting read - Herbie has had a unique life and he shares a lot of great stories. I am a huge fan and got a lot out of this book. Only thing is, and I know this is going to be an unpopular opinion, he comes off quite pompous. He credits himself with inventing hip-hop using the now familiar phrase, "A lot of people are saying ... I invented hip-hop." Really? Who said that?
The first half is utter gold. Later it becomes a bit self-serving but then again, it is an autobiography. Still love Herbie, still love the music, and the book was solid.
The first half is utter gold. Later it becomes a bit self-serving but then again, it is an autobiography. Still love Herbie, still love the music, and the book was solid.
joshstevenson1's review against another edition
4.0
Incredibly inspiring, a must read for all jazz musicians.
gagnedouze's review against another edition
5.0
Fascinating, humble account of this extraordinary mans life. He covers a lot from the 1960's but I would have liked more (I don't think he ever mentioned his now jazz standard, Cantaloupe Island?!) but that's only me being greedy. I'd heard Donald Byrd was a generous person from various people and Herbie reiterates this, giving lots of examples of where he helped him on his musical and personal journey. One of the most enjoyable memoirs I've read.
sadiesargar's review against another edition
5.0
Without a doubt one of the best musician autobios I've ever read, particularly the first 2/3. Herbie has a ton of great stories, as you might guess of someone who was in Miles Davis' Second Great Quintet, played space-jazz with Mwandishi, and got real loose with Headhunters, but he's really at his best when he's talking about his artistic motivations. I've always admired how omnivorous his taste is, and how eagerly he's evolved as an artist, and when he gets into the whys and hows of that evolution, the book really sings. He also spends some time early on talking about the ways the principles of jazz and improvisation relate to life — and how they're really inseparable from one another — in a way that doesn't feel cheesy or cheap.
Also highly recommend the audiobook, which is read by Herbie, who is a sensational storyteller. He laughs at his own jokes and does a Miles Davis imitation, and if that's not argument enough to listen to it, I don't know what else to tell you.
Also highly recommend the audiobook, which is read by Herbie, who is a sensational storyteller. He laughs at his own jokes and does a Miles Davis imitation, and if that's not argument enough to listen to it, I don't know what else to tell you.