Herbie Hancock - The Prisoner (1969, 1995, Blue... Apr 2026
: Composed by Buster Williams, representing the duality of "fire" (violence/oppression) and "water" (the calming presence of Dr. King).
: A reflection on the atmosphere of the civil rights struggle. Herbie Hancock - The Prisoner (1969, 1995, Blue...
The album consists of five primary tracks, with several reissues including alternate takes: : Composed by Buster Williams, representing the duality
The album is a poignant social concept piece dedicated to the memory of , who was assassinated just a year prior to the recording. Hancock used the metaphor of "the prisoner" to express the long-standing social and psychological imprisonment of Black people in America. The album consists of five primary tracks, with
Building on the orchestral textures of his 1968 album Speak Like a Child , Hancock expanded his palette into a nonet (nine-piece band). The ensemble features an unusual combination of woodwinds and brass, including bass clarinet and alto flute, which provided a rich, dark tonal color. : Piano, Electric Piano Johnny Coles : Flugelhorn Joe Henderson : Tenor Saxophone, Alto Flute Garnett Brown : Trombone Buster Williams : Bass Albert "Tootie" Heath : Drums