Symphony Center Jazz Series springs back with 70th anniversary of Herbie Hancock’s debut

Photos provided by Todd Rosenberg Photography

The special occasions were so plentiful it was easy to loose count, but the fact the Symphony Center’s acclaimed Jazz Series finally reopened after a painstaking 19 months (with more announcements coming in October) was an excellent place to start.

And there was no one more fitting to re-cut the ribbon than Chicago’s own Herbie Hancock, who besides launching a national tour after a similar pandemic-related hiatus, also marked the 70th anniversary of his Orchestra Hall debut.

Indeed, attendance was mandatory on so many levels, especially considering the Miles Davis Quintet contributor and solo innovator may very well be the most important living legend of the entire genre.

Even at 81-years-old, the pianist was exceptional with every stroke, mining through the vaults with a four-piece band in 90 intermission-less minutes that never felt rushed and consistently displayed what a visionary he’s been since the early 1960s.

One such example was an adventurous and previously unreleased “Past The R.I.P.,” a collaboration with Roxy Music member turned super producer Brian Eno that took on additional levity with the loss of so many as of late, including collaborator Chick Corea.

Nonetheless, Hancock adapted an optimistic and unifying tone with both his banter and the flow of the show, which also included the funky fusion of The Headhunters’ “Actual Proof” and the tranquil “Closure,” featuring the angelic vocals of flutist Elena Pinderhughes.

In addition to frequently switching between a stationary keyboard and grand piano, the veteran also dusted off the vocoder for “Come Running To Me” and kept a keytar close by for occasional cruising around the stage.

However, the real treat came with a grand finale of the stone cold classic “Cantaloupe Island,” which is a forward-thinking now as it was during his Davis days, especially after each elite musician added their improvisational stamp.

Outside of showing a vaccine card or negative COVID-19 test, plus wearing a mask as per Illinois’ indoor mandate, it felt like any other evening at the international institution, who thanks to the pristine headliner, temporarily made the world’s increasing problems since the doors were previously opened all but disappear.

For additional information on Herbie Hancock, visit HerbieHancock.com.

For a list of upcoming concerts at the Symphony Center, visit CSO.org.