Herbie Hancock River: The Joni Letters CD

 Thank you
I was given a copy of this album by a friend at work after Herbie won the Grammy. I play some part of it every day and every time I play it I hear something I missed before. There is so much here for anyone who appreciates both Joni and the other artists on this album. I am heartened to know that some record companies still believe in their artists and are willing to support real music.
Submitted by gstuart54 (Chicago, IL)
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 Easy to Dismiss - Hard to Forget
At first glance, true jazz legend Herbie Hancock working with today's more popular vocalists sounds like a sellout, ala Supernatural. Thirty seconds into the recording all assumptions fade. This is truly the heroic opus, what one would expect from Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter performing the music of a legendary song-writer. Never once do you feel that any of the artists have compromised or sold out. Every song is filled with subtile nuance and begs for closer listening. Folkies who enjoyed Joni back when she wrote of the canyon ladies will appreciate the fresh treatment that Hancock and company provide. True jazz fans, tired of smooth-lite pablum will be equally impressed. In all, a must buy for anyone who enjoys music regardless of category.
Submitted by kwolin (Washington, DC)
Was This River: The Joni Letters Music Review Helpful? Yes No  11 of 24 found this helpful.

 One of the finest CD's In A Long Time
The sweet notes of Wayne and Herbie playing the piano, accompanied by some of the best voices in Jazz music. Joni's lyrics give this CD 100% in my book. I've loved her music for over 40 years and to hear it played and sung in a Jazz way. What more could I ask for. Music to my happy ears.
Submitted by Ilene (Sunland,)
Was This River: The Joni Letters Music Review Helpful? Yes No  8 of 20 found this helpful.

 One of the greatest albums in years
Another marvelous outing by Herbie, one of his best. Edith and the Kingpin is the standout track. Tina Turner is on fire. I've never heard a better song in my life. This one should win Best Jazz Vocal Album, Herbie and Wayne both should be nominated for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, and really deserves Song of the Year, and Album of the Year for this track alone. It is probably the greatest song I've heard in the past 20 years. It is inconceivable this kind of music exists. Wayne utterly astonishes, it is so natural, like listening to the infinite unfold before you. Lionel creates an incredible vibe and adds that one element which brings it up to the heavens. When Herbie comes in with the chords after the climax, you just can't even begin approaching that kind of perfection. It is as if you have just been born or attained enlightenment and are in a state of wonder for the remainder of the song as it winds down. I can't even imagine what they were feeling when they completed that take... Nothing can stand up to this... It will remain one of the greatest pieces of music ever...
Submitted by Peter (Calgary, AB, Canada)
Was This River: The Joni Letters Music Review Helpful? Yes No  9 of 24 found this helpful.

 Herbie, Joni & Wayne
Fabulous combination of great lyrics, incredible piano licks and soprano sax at its best! These guys make incredible music - a must for any collection.
Submitted by David G (El Dorado Hills, CA)
Was This River: The Joni Letters Music Review Helpful? Yes No  9 of 24 found this helpful.