The Complete Columbia Album Collection

Most Herbie Hancock fans, I'm sure, have long-awaited this impressive box set. A few dedicated fans purchased many of the individual Columbia CDs when they were first released. The problem is that, once they were released the first time, many of them were never re-released. As a result, many of these original-release Columbia CDs are available for sale at exhorbitant prices - sometimes $100 or more each, even in used condition.The majority of Herbie's pre-Columbia releases (1962-1971) are still relatively inexpensive to purchase on CD, as are his post-Columbia releases (1994 to the present). Again, the real challenge has been finding many of his Columbia releases (1972-1988). (To my knowledge, he didn't release anything on any label between 1989 and 1993.)To purchase all of his Columbia CDs individually these days could easily cost thousands of dollars, if you can even find some of the really rare ones at all. So, having access to all of them for under $200 in this box set is an incredible bargain.The downside, of course, is that, if you have several of his Columbia releases on CD already, you will end up with some duplicates. Still, this might be a good opportunity to turn some friends onto his music by giving them your duplicates (as I will be doing).Listening to these releases (many of which I haven't heard since I purchased the original LPs 30 to 40 years ago) is a real trip down memory lane.There is only one complaint that I have, and it is a minor one. In Columbia's effort to be "true to the originals," it printed the original LP sleeves on the CD sleeves exactly as everything appeared on the original LP sleeves. The problem, of course, is that the CD sleeves are so small that the majority of the small printing (especially on the backs) is so small that it is completely blurred. You will actually need a magnifying glass to read a lot of what is written on the sleeves. However, not to worry. The 200-page book provides all of the details in terms of song titles, lengths, etc. on all of the CDs.And, even more importantly, the CDs in this box set contain all of the additional tracks that were released on the original CDs, but not on the original LPs. In other words, if you have an original Herbie LP with six tracks and the same CD with ten tracks (the original six tracks plus four bonus tracks), the CD in this box set will also have the same ten tracks.Overall, an impressive, complete and important collection.

I pre-ordered this from Amazon. This is the golden egg. Yes, it is expensive, but if you can afford it, buy it. It has a lot of recordings only released in Japan. It goes thru various phases of his career. There is straight ahead Jazz & the Funk period, that made him famous to many. It comes in a nice box, booklet. Read the reviews from those better than I am, & who may go into more depth. This is one purchase I am glad I made. The man of course has played with greats, people playing with him have become or were great. A nice collection, a bit pricey, but consider how many discs are included. Something for every Jazz or music mood. Thank You for taking a moment to read this small review

Ease of transaction and complete satisfaction with the product. As a Herbie Hancock fan my expectations were totally exceeded. Package contained songs I had always wanted to purchase but was not able for one reason or another.

This Box Set is so affordable and well put together that it was hard to resist.Herbie Hancock was quite prolific during his Columbia years, and the 34 mini LP styled CDs have great period covers.The music is always enjoyable and creative, and makes for easy listening jazz. If you like 70's and 80's jazz, don't miss it.

Excellent compilation of his work at Columbia with some unreleased gems. A reminder of the creativity and power of Mr. Hancock. Awesome!

A steal for $70. Sounds great

I acquired all these separately, over 20 years, on LP and CD, and while that was fun and worth it, I probably paid a fortune. I can certainly attest that the Japanese CDs in this collection that have not been readily available in the US (at various times) will provide the biggest bang for your buck. If I did not already own these CDs, it would be a steal at this price to get these gems:1. Dedication (1974)* (nice solo piano -- rare at the time for Herbie, and then some interesting solo synth explorations.2. Flood (1975)* (the ONLY commercially released live Headhunters album is a killer. I remember ordering the original gatefold LP from Japan. It's been a favorite ever since)3. Herbie Hancock Trio (1977)* (Hancock/Carter/Williams)4. V.S.O.P.: Tempest In The Colosseum (1977)* (there will never be enough VSOP. This one's also a killer, with some nice tunes not on the US releases)5. Direct Step (1978)* (not a killer, perhaps, but good funk. some Headhunters, but with Alphonse Mouzon).6. V.S.O.P.: Five Stars (1979)* One of my favorite all time jazz releases ever, marred only by the fact that it's one tune too short! It's the only studio recording of VSOP and contains compositions by 4 of the five stars (still don't know why they didn't include a number by Ron Carter to make this complete. Hubbard's opening Skagly is a killer, but Tony Williams Mutants on the Beach with this band is beyond great. Beautifully full, clear recording. You will rarely, if ever, hear Ron Carter's bass so clear.7. Butterfly w/ Kimiko Kasai (1979)* Not a killer, exactly, but good Headhunters backing.8. Herbie Hancock Trio w/ Ron Carter + Tony Williams (1981)* (another good trio release)Some of these, particularly Flood and Five Stars, should have been released in the US. They're too good not to be. And again, if these are new to you, this is absolutely a reason to buy this set. You'll eventually forgive the inclusion of Feets Don't Fail Me Now. If you own none of these ... what's wrong with you?

Produkt entspricht meinen Vorstellungen. Danke vielmals

I LOVE IT

Great box set.

ハービー・ハンコックの1972年～1988年のコロムビア・レコード時代の作品（CDにして34枚！）をまとめたボックスセットです。各々のCDは、オリジナルLPデザインの紙ジャケットに納められています。音質に問題はありません。200ページほどの分厚い英語ブックレットが付いています。写真も豊富で、読み応え十分です。エレクトリックバンド、V.S.O.P.、ピアノトリオ、チック・コリアとのデュオ、ピアノソロ、映画のサウンドトラックとバラエティに富んだ内容で、ぶっ通しで聴いても飽きません。ハンコックの音楽性の広さには驚くばかりです。私はハンコックの大ファンというわけではありませんが、この商品は買って良かったと思います。ジャズのみならず、1970～80年代のブラックミュージックが好きな方は、絶対に買った方が良いです！

This is a really fantastic box set. The music is diverse and never predictable. From album to album Herbie Hancock never seems to come out of the same hole twice. OK with a set of this size you won't get on with everything. The box itself is sturdy and well designed. The cardboard cases are of a good quality and the book that comes with the set is very informative. I got this set for under £40. So if you ever see it for that kind of price jump at it. It might take a while to get through, but it is well worth the effort.