Herbie Hancock: Innovation and New Technologies | Mahindra Humanities Center

TL;DR

Forming an opinion about something you haven't personally experienced is a stumbling block to creativity. Herbie Hancock learned this when Miles Davis handed him a Fender Rhodes electronic piano he'd dismissed as a toy, only to discover its warm sound and volume control. Curiosity from childhood led him to unite music and science through synthesizers before it was fashionable.

Transcript

[APPLAUSE] KAY SHELEMAY: Welcome to the fourth in the series of Norton lectures delivered by the remarkable Herbie Hancock. I'm Kay Shelemay. I'm a Professor of Music and Professor of African and African-American studies. I am honored to offer this introduction. This afternoon, we follow Mr. Hancock into realms of innovation and new technologies. W... Read More

Key Insights

• Forming an opinion about something not personally experienced, unless it is dangerous to body or mind, is a stumbling block to creativity because it is based off someone else's perception and not one's own.
• The Fender Rhodes electronic piano was invented during World War II by Harold Rhodes, with the original model made out of airplane parts and used therapeutically with recovering soldiers.
• Synthesizers use electronics to create a new sound universe comprised of space age tones and effects, as well as replications of acoustic instruments, letting Hancock finally combine his interests in music and science.
• Hancock's curiosity began at age five when he dismantled clocks and watches to understand how objects worked, revealing an early interest in the rudimentary principles of science and math.
• Miles Davis prompted Hancock's shift to electronic instruments in 1968 by pointing to a Fender Rhodes and saying 'play that' during the Miles in the Sky session, since no acoustic piano was in the studio.
• The Fender Rhodes blended better with horns than an acoustic piano, sounding like an intriguing combination of a French horn and a guitar, and offered volume control a piano lacks.
• Before digital tools like Pro Tools and Logic Pro, Miles Davis and producer Teo Macero created arrangements in post-production by editing raw two-inch tape with a razor blade, splicing and reorganizing music segments.
• Drummer Tony Williams, 17 at the time, introduced Hancock to contemporary classical composers including Karlheinz Stockhausen, John Cage, Elliott Carter, Arnold Schoenberg, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Milton Babbitt.

Questions & Answers

Q: What lesson did Herbie Hancock learn from playing the Fender Rhodes?

Hancock learned that forming an opinion about something not personally experienced, unless it is dangerous to body or mind, is a stumbling block to creativity because it is based off someone else's perception and not one's own. He had dismissed the Fender Rhodes as a toy based on others' disparaging remarks, but after playing it he was impressed. He called this a fundamental principle of life he never forgot.

Q: Who invented the Fender Rhodes electronic piano and how?

The Fender Rhodes was invented during World War II by Harold Rhodes. Interestingly, the original model was made out of airplane parts and was used therapeutically with recovering soldiers. Hancock first encountered it at a 1968 Miles Davis recording session called Miles in the Sky, where Miles pointed to it in a corner and told him to play it after Hancock found no acoustic piano in the studio.

Q: Why did Herbie Hancock change his college major from electrical engineering to music?

Practical sense had dictated Hancock select electrical engineering at Grinnell College because he knew he could get a job that way. But in his sophomore year, after soul searching and exhaustive work putting together a jazz concert with an accompanying 16-piece big band, he changed his major to music and graduated with a degree in music composition. His passion for jazz overrode all practicality, and he believes he made the right choice.

Q: How did Miles Davis and Teo Macero edit music before digital tools existed?

Long before Pro Tools and Logic Pro, Miles Davis and producer Teo Macero made magic by editing raw two-inch tape with a razor blade, using painstaking techniques they developed to create arrangements in post-production. Teo worked day and night splicing audiotape, copying, recopying, and reorganizing the placements of music segments that Miles had just recorded. Today these operations are achieved in mere seconds.

Q: What advantages did Herbie Hancock discover in the Fender Rhodes over an acoustic piano?

Hancock found the Fender Rhodes had a really nice warm sound and was immediately impressed with its volume control, something an acoustic piano does not have. His first thought was he could turn up the volume so drummer Tony Williams could keep bashing even during his solos. He also noticed the Rhodes blended better with horns, sounding like an intriguing combination of a French horn and a guitar.

Q: What are synthesizers and why did they appeal to Herbie Hancock?

Synthesizers use electronics to create a new sound universe comprised of space age, cutting edge tones and effects, as well as replications of acoustic instruments. Having never totally abandoned his fascination with science, Hancock saw synthesizers as a pathway for combining his two interests of music and science. He became a practitioner of linking these two fields together before it was fashionable, first using a synthesizer on his 1972 album.

Q: Who introduced Herbie Hancock to contemporary classical composers?

Boston-born drummer Tony Williams, who was 17 years old at the time and played in Miles Davis's band, introduced Hancock to electronic and contemporary classical music. Tony turned him on to composers like Karlheinz Stockhausen, John Cage, Elliott Carter, Arnold Schoenberg, Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Milton Babbitt. This exposure came five years before synthesizers became part of Hancock's rig, when he was initiated into electronic instruments by Miles Davis.

Q: What were the downsides of the Fender Rhodes that Herbie Hancock discovered?

Hancock discovered two downsides to the Fender Rhodes later on. The metal piece struck by the hammer can break if you keep hitting it too hard, and the instrument goes out of tune easily. Despite these drawbacks, he found it really cool and interesting, valuing its warm sound, volume control, and how well it blended with horns compared to the acoustic piano he had previously favored.

Summary

This video showcases Herbie Hancock discussing his personal gadget laboratory and his exploration of innovation and new technologies in music. He shares his background in electronics and music, as well as his early experiments with synthesizers and tape editing. Hancock also discusses the use of sequencers, vocoders, and turntables in his music, highlighting his collaborations with fellow musicians and technology experts. He concludes with a live demonstration of his current rig, showcasing his groundbreaking approach to music production.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Herbie Hancock's interest in electronics and music intersect?

Herbie Hancock's interest in electronics and music intersected when he discovered synthesizers and began experimenting with the use of electronic instruments in his music. He was especially intrigued by the Fender Rhodes electronic piano, which he first encountered during a recording session with Miles Davis. This sparked his curiosity and led him to explore the possibilities of combining science and music in innovative ways.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock incorporate tape editing techniques in his music?

Herbie Hancock and his collaborator, Teo Macero, developed advanced editing techniques using raw two-inch tape and a razor blade. They would meticulously splice and rearrange segments of recorded music to create complex arrangements. This technique allowed them to sculpt their recordings into seamless collages of sound, as exemplified in albums such as "In a Silent Way" and "Bitches Brew." Although this process was labor-intensive and time-consuming, it paved the way for the digital editing techniques used in modern music production.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock contribute to the fusion of jazz and hip hop?

Herbie Hancock played a pivotal role in blending the worlds of jazz and hip hop when he released his album "Future Shock" in 1983. Collaborating with bassist and producer Bill Laswell and DJ DXT, Hancock incorporated elements of scratching and turntables into his music. He also used a vocoder to replace his own vocals with synthesizer sounds, creating a unique fusion of jazz instrumentation and hip hop rhythms. The album's hit single "Rockit" became an anthem for break dancers and introduced scratching to a wider audience.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock revolutionize live music performance with his rig?

Herbie Hancock collaborated with his sound engineer and keyboard tech, Bryan Bell, to develop a revolutionary system that allowed him to control multiple keyboards and devices with one unit. This system enabled him to make real-time changes to his entire bank of synthesizers during live performances. Furthermore, Hancock and Bell created a master clock and 16-channel polyphonic sequencer, allowing for intricate orchestrations and synchronized performances. Their innovative designs laid the foundation for the MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) technology that is widely used in the music industry today.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock incorporate visuals and technology into his compositions?

Herbie Hancock has always been interested in merging visuals, music, and technology in his compositions. He believes that combining these elements can blur the boundaries between different artistic disciplines and result in a more immersive and interactive experience for the audience. In his recent work, Hancock has been utilizing multifunctional software music sequencers and digital audio workstations, such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro, to create and manipulate audiovisual compositions. His goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music and technology.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock challenge conventional perceptions of instruments and sounds?

Herbie Hancock constantly challenged conventional perceptions of instruments and sounds by embracing unconventional approaches and technologies. For example, he saw the potential of the Fender Rhodes electronic piano, even when others dismissed it as a toy or a subpar substitute for an acoustic piano. Hancock's collaboration with Teo Macero also defied expectations by using innovative tape editing techniques to create groundbreaking musical arrangements. Additionally, Hancock's use of vocoders and turntables in his music pushed the boundaries of what was considered acceptable in jazz and helped pave the way for future experimentation and fusion with other genres.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock's exploration of new technologies influence the music industry?

Herbie Hancock's exploration of new technologies, such as synthesizers, tape editing, and computer-based music sequencers, had a profound influence on the music industry. By pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music production, he inspired other musicians and producers to experiment with innovative techniques and sounds. His use of turntables and scratching in his music also played a significant role in popularizing these techniques and bringing hip hop culture to a wider audience. Furthermore, his collaborations with technology experts and his own inventions, such as his rig and custom-made keyboards, showcased new possibilities for live performances and studio recording.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock's collaborations with technology experts contribute to his musical innovations?

Herbie Hancock's collaborations with technology experts, such as his sound engineer and keyboard tech Bryan Bell, allowed him to push the boundaries of what was possible in music production and performance. Through their partnership, they developed innovative systems and instruments that facilitated Hancock's vision for his music. Bell's expertise in synthesizers, programming, and networking, in particular, was instrumental in bringing Hancock's ideas to life. Their collaborations helped shape the future of music technology and continue to inspire musicians and producers to this day.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock use his music to bridge cultural boundaries?

Herbie Hancock has always been interested in bridging cultural boundaries through his music. He frequently incorporates influences from different genres and cultures into his compositions. For example, he has drawn inspiration from African music, incorporating elements such as polyrhythms and vocal styles in his work. Additionally, Hancock has used his platform as a musician to promote cultural diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of music in fostering connections and understanding across different cultures. By creating music that transcends borders, Hancock has become a model of creativity and innovation for others to follow.

Q: How did Herbie Hancock's dedication to innovation impact his career and his art?

Herbie Hancock's dedication to innovation has had a profound impact on his career and his art. Throughout his career, Hancock has consistently embraced new technologies, techniques, and musical styles, pushing himself to evolve and grow as an artist. His willingness to experiment and explore uncharted territory has not only expanded his own musical horizons but has also influenced countless musicians and producers. Hancock's futuristic approach to music production and performance has allowed him to remain relevant and groundbreaking after decades in the industry. His commitment to innovation has solidified his status as one of the most respected and influential figures in contemporary music.

Q: What are some of the key takeaways from Herbie Hancock's lecture on innovation and new technologies?

Herbie Hancock's lecture on innovation and new technologies emphasizes the importance of being open-minded, curious, and willing to embrace new possibilities in both music and life. He highlights the significance of combining different disciplines, such as science and music, to create something truly groundbreaking. Hancock also emphasizes the value of collaboration and the importance of surrounding oneself with fearless and innovative individuals who are willing to challenge conventional wisdom. Overall, his lecture serves as a reminder that innovation is a continuous process and that the future of music and technology is full of exciting potential.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Herbie Hancock traces his curiosity to childhood, when at age five he dismantled clocks and watches to learn how they worked. He studied electrical engineering at Grinnell College for practical reasons but changed his major to music composition in his sophomore year, letting his passion for jazz override practicality.

• Hancock became a practitioner of linking music and science before it was fashionable. Introduced to electronic instruments by Miles Davis, he learned about electronic and contemporary classical music from 17-year-old drummer Tony Williams, who exposed him to composers like Stockhausen, Cage, Schoenberg, Reich, Glass, and Babbitt.

• At the 1968 Miles in the Sky session, Miles told Hancock to play a Fender Rhodes he had dismissed as a toy. Discovering its warm sound and volume control taught him never to judge something unexperienced, a lesson reinforced by Miles Davis and Teo Macero's razor-blade tape editing.