Possibilities is a
Herbie Hancock adventure record. This ten-cut smorgasbord features the ever restless pianist, composer, and arranger in the company of literally dozens of artists, from pop singers like
Christina Aguilera,
Sting, and
Annie Lennox to rock legends such as
Santana and
Paul Simon to relative newcomers like
John Mayer,
Jonny Lang, and
Joss Stone, as well as some renowned international performers, such as
Angélique Kidjo and
Raul Midón in a wide range of songs, styles, and moods.
Hancock cut the record in studios all over the world, all the collaborations were done face to face, not long distance. Session musicians here include everyone from
Stevie Wonder (who plays the harmonica solo on the cover of his tune "I Just Called to Say I Love You"), to
Santana to
Cyro Baptista,
Willie Weeks,
John Pattitucci,
Steven Jordan, and
Gina Gershon (the actress)! The standout cuts are the sensual read of
Leon Russell's "A Song for You," sung by
Aguilera,
Simon's jazzed-up revisioning of his "I Do It for Your Love," and
Lennox's read of "Hush, Hush, Hush," written by
Paula Cole (whatever happened to her?). Jazz fans may be disappointed, but pop fans will be delighted; there is a lot here to like. ~ Thom Jurek, All Music Guide