MAN-CHILD

"Man-child" may be the funkiest album you can find on "Progarchives", executed at the right time with full energy, passion and talent. Instrumentally, it is an advanced funk with jazz influence and far from a sell-out even though a jazz purist would claim otherwise. Hancock shines on a myriad of keyboards, particularly on Fender Rhodes, piano and clavinet. Notable lasting impression is also provided by the guitar player Wah-wah Watson and Bennie Maupin on brass instruments. The album has either neutral or positive vibes and this without using vocals. The focus is on the rhythm (in the upbeat tracks) or more jazzy and subtle playing. There my different preferences by a Hancock fan but I like both dimensions. "Sun touch" and "Bubbles" are examples of mellow fusion with wonderful and tasty Hancock playing (leads and textures at the same time). The more upbeat remaining tracks are elastic, quite loose and for first-time listener, they may come as monotonous. You either take this as part of organic music or pay attention to what each instrument is doing. 3,5 stars