The Imagine Project is an unprecedented international recording and film project featuring collaborations between Hancock and over a dozen superstars from every region of the planet. Utilizing the universal language of music to express its central themes of peace and global responsibility, the musical collaborations combine Hancock’s genre-defying musical vision with the “local” musical identity of cultures from around the world. Tracks on The Imagine Project include “The Song Goes On” with Anoushka Shankar (sitarist daughter of Ravi Shankar), Chaka Khan and Wayne Shorter which was recorded in Mumbai, India, along with a stellar group of Indian musicians; “Don’t Give Up,” a duet recorded in London, New York and Los Angeles featuring Pink and John Legend, “Imagine” with Seal, Pink, Konono No l, Jeff Beck, Oumou Sangare, India.Arie, Lionel Loueke and Marcus Miller recorded in Paris, London and Los Angeles; “Tamatant Tilay/Exodus” featuring Tinariwen and Los Lobos, “The Times, They Are A’ Changin’” featuring The Chieftains, Toumani Diabete, Lionel Loueke and Lisa Hannigan recorded in Ireland; “Tomorrow Never Knows” featuring Dave Matthews, “Space Captain” with Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, “La Tierra” recorded with Latin superstar Juanes in Miami, “A Change Is Gonna Come” with James Morrison and a track with Brazilian singer-songwriter Ceu, “Tempo de Amour,” recorded in Sao Paulo.
Herbie Hancock’s The Imagine Project is the next step in Hancock’s extraordinary career, and builds upon his recent successes and recognition (2007 GRAMMY for Album of the Year for River/The Joni Letters; Time Magazine’s 2008 100 Most Influential People in the World list; multiple award-winning album/film, Possibilities; Jazz Chair for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, among many other honours). Happy Birthday Herbie!
We’re expecting a deluxe double 180g release of “The Imagine Project” next month, priced around £30.