Beyond Cantaloupe present an evening of Herbie Hancock compositions, focusing on the tracks he recorded with the Blue Note label during the 1960s.

 

The band's set combines popular favourites such as 'Watermelon Man', 'Cantaloupe Island' and 'Dolphin Dance'with other great compositions including 'One Finger Snap', 'A Tribute To Someone' and "Three Wishes'-each head arrangement lovingly transcribed by pianist / bandleader Simon Brown to recreate all of the probing, bluesy excitement of the originals and providing a snapshot of the pioneeringand fruitful decade Herbie spent recording with Blue Note.

 

The hard bop derived music that Herbie Hancock made for Blue Note Records in the 60 s is the focus of pianist Simon Brown’s band using arrangements written especially for this gig. Faithful transcriptions of Hancock’s funky arrangements recreate all the probing, bluesy excitement of the originals. Also featuring Paul Higgs (trumpet), Kevin Flanagan (tenor sax), Jose Canha (bass) and Joel Barford (drums).

 

Simon Brown is a highly-respected first-call jazz pianist who is equally known for his arranging skills. He is an accomplished soloist in his own right, blending vivacity and creative attack with often gentle lyricism. His influences are Oscar Peterson, Nat "King" Cole and Bill Evans. His other recent quintet projects include treatments of

George Shearing and Django Reinhardt.