HERBIE HANCOCK / MONSTER BAND IN BOSTON 1980 (2CDR)

Herbie Hancock - keyboards
Nate Ginsburg - keyboards
Wah Wah Watson - guitar
Victor Conte - bass
Alphonse Mouzon - drums
Sheila Escavido - percussion
Jose - congas
Gavin Christopher - vocals

DISC 1
1. Tuning
2. HANG UP YOUR HANG UPS
3. CHAMELEON (with Band Intro) - DOIN' IT - WATERMELON MAN
4. MAKING LOVE WITH YOU
5. Percussion Solo

DISC 2
1. MAIDEN VOYAGE - ACTUAL PROOF (with Drum Solo)
2. STARS IN YOUR EYES
3. SATURDAY NIGHT
4. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSE
Encore
5. GO FOR IT

This live recording features the ensemble that performed on *Monster*—the studio album that marked the beginning of Herbie Hancock’s 1980s era. The lineup embraces an electronic, 80s-style configuration, featuring a second keyboardist alongside Hancock, as well as a funky crew that includes Wah Wah Watson and Alphonse Mouzon. The set kicks off with "Hang Up Your Hang Ups," followed by "Chameleon," which includes one of Hancock’s signature, stylish band introductions. A rendition of the Blue Note-era classic "Maiden Voyage" begins as a delicate solo piano piece before the bass and drums build the energy, leading into a spectacular transition into "Actual Proof." Naturally, the set also includes four tracks from the *Monster* album, with the vocal numbers being absolute must-listens. Although it is an audience recording, the sound quality is so good that it could easily be mistaken for a soundboard recording. Among the many live recordings of Herbie Hancock, this performance by the "Monster" band is exceptionally rare and of outstanding quality—highly recommended.