Herbie Hancock to headline 2019 Melbourne International Jazz Festival

MIJF19 Herbie HancockThe master of modern jazz, Herbie Hancock is innovative, influential, a living legend and will close the 2019 Melbourne International Jazz Festival at Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne with two concerts in June.

“We are excited to make this early announcement and extremely honoured that Herbie Hancock is returning to Melbourne to close the festival,” said Melbourne International Jazz Festival Artistic Director, Michael Tortoni. “Our festival program will continue to offer a diversity of experiences that will showcase many outstanding Australian and international artists.”

With an illustrious career spanning into its sixth decade and a staggering 14 Grammy Awards, there are few artists who have had more influence on acoustic and electronic jazz, R&B and hip hop than Herbie Hancock. Miles Davis said in his autobiography “Herbie was the step after Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk, and I haven’t heard anybody yet who has come after him.”

The author of modern day standards such as Cantaloupe Island, Chameleon and Rockit in addition to hundreds more, Hancock’s appeal transcends genres while maintaining an unmistakable style. Hancock’s standing and influence on modern music has produced iconic partnerships with artists ranging from Wayne Shorter, Stevie Wonder, Tina Turner and Annie Lennox to Snoop Dogg, Flying Lotus and Pink.

Any opportunity to see Herbie Hancock live should never be missed. See this icon of modern music take to the Hamer Hall stage with a hand picked band to close the Melbourne International Jazz Festival for 2019.

Herbie Hancock will play Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June 2019 – 7.30pm. For more information and to book, visit: www.melbournejazz.com for details.

Image: Herbie Hancock (supplied)