Empyrean Isles

'Empyrean Isles' captures pianist Herbie Hancock leading a quartet with Freddie Hubbard on cornet and his Miles Davis Quintet rhythm section partners, Ron Carter and Tony Williams. The album's four original compositions explore a brilliant balance of post-bop, experimental modal jazz, and soul-injected grooves, most notably on the future standard "Cantaloupe Island." The recording is celebrated for its sophisticated interplay and for establishing Hancock as a major bandleader and composer in his own right.