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