Herbie Hancock - Maiden Voyage [Blue Note 180g Vinyl LP]

Blue Note's Classic Vinyl Series brings back Herbie Hancock's Maiden Voyage, a sea-themed modern jazz landmark tracked at Rudy Van Gelder's studio with Freddie Hubbard, George Coleman, Ron Carter, and Tony Williams. This 180g stereo reissue keeps the focus on the music's atmosphere and interplay, cut all-analog by Kevin Gray and pressed at Optimal with faithful Blue Note artwork.

The session leans into modal harmony and space. The title track, "Maiden Voyage," moves with a calm, tidal pulse. "Dolphin Dance" glides on luminous voicings and a memorable closing cadence. "The Eye of the Hurricane" whips the group into sharp, driving lines, while "Survival of the Fittest" and "Little One" show Hancock's balance of tension and lyricism.

On vinyl the stereo image is open and natural, trumpet and tenor sit forward without glare, and piano overtones bloom against a grounded bass line and crisp cymbals. This Classic Vinyl pressing features 180g weight, all-analog mastering from the original tapes by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Audio, a quiet Optimal plant press, and a standard single-pocket jacket with period-correct artwork reproduction.

• Format: 180g Black Vinyl LP
• Standout tracks: "Maiden Voyage," "Dolphin Dance," "The Eye of the Hurricane"
• Pressing details: Blue Note Classic Vinyl Series, stereo, all-analog mastering by Kevin Gray from the original tapes, 180g audiophile pressing at Optimal, standard single-pocket jacket with original artwork reproduction
• Genre/style: Jazz, Post-bop, Modal jazz, Blue Note
• UPC: 602435931968

A thoughtful, front-to-back listen, Maiden Voyage rewards with atmosphere, melody, and a band in fluent conversation.

* The Spotify track list may not exactly represent the tracks and audio of this LP edition.

Track List:

Side A:

1. Maiden Voyage
2. The Eye Of The Hurricane
3. Little One

Side B:

1. Survival Of The Fittest
2. Dolphin Dance