What style of jazz is Watermelon Man?

What style of jazz is Watermelon Man?

“Watermelon Man” is a jazz standard written by Herbie Hancock for his debut album, Takin’ Off (1962). Hancock’s first version was released as a grooving hard bop record, and featured improvisations by Freddie Hubbard and Dexter Gordon. A single reached the Top 100 of the pop chart.

Why is Watermelon Man called Watermelon Man?

The title of the song and its theme are based on the horsedrawn carts sold watermelons in Hancock’s native Chicago. He says that the melodies are based on the sound of the horse hooves on the cobblestones and the ladies calling out, “Hey, watermelon man.”

Who Sampled who Watermelon Man?

Watermelon Man (1962 Version) by Herbie Hancock – Samples, Covers and Remixes | WhoSampled.

What instrument is Watermelon Man?

The instruments that are played in this song are the trumpet, tenor saxophone, keyboard, bass, and drum set. A vamp is present at the beginning of the song, from measures 1-4, in which the keyboard, bass and drum set play.

Why did Herbie Hancock wrote Watermelon Man?

Hancock was just 22 when he wrote “Watermelon Man,” a danceable song with an infectious melodic hook and jaunty, see-saw backbeat. It was inspired by his childhood memory of a watermelon seller whose vehicle rumbled noisily through his neighborhood’s cobbled streets in 1940s Chicago.

Who played trumpet on Watermelon Man?

Freddie Hubbard
The recording session features Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone. The album is in the hard bop idiom, with its characteristic two horns and a rhythm section. The bluesy track “Watermelon Man” made it to the Top 100 of the singles charts, and went on to become a jazz standard.

What is a melon man?

Melonman is a self-proclaimed superhero, flying across the Badlands to defeat evildoers. He has a clear sense of justice and hates hurting the innocent.

What movie was the song Watermelon Man in?

Hancock’s rendition features Freddie Hubbard on trumpet and Dexter Gordon on tenor saxophone. Gordon starred (as a tenor sax player) in the 1986 movie Round Midnight. Hancock also had a role in the film and did the score, for which he won an Oscar.

Who first recorded Watermelon Man?

Herbie Hancock
Herbie Hancock first released “Watermelon Man” for the 1962 album Takin’ Off. This was his debut album as a band leader. The original recording band featured Butch Warren, Billy Higgins, Freddie Hubbard and Dexter Gordon.

How old is Herbie Hancock?

81 years (April 12, 1940)
Herbie Hancock/Age

What instrument does the third soloist play in Watermelon Man by Herbie Hancock?

(1:58 similar to 1:21) The trumpet solos had some great phrasing. The third sax soloist definitely was really getting into his licks. I feel like the trombone player was good, but his solo lacked the energy of the other players. He had an interesting sound/technique at 3:36.

What does you’re twisting my melon mean?

In the singular, it’s slang for “head.” In the plural, it a rather crude slang for the female breasts. “You’re twisting my melon” means “You are playing mind games with me. You are attempting to deceive or confuse me.” “You’re twisting my melons”- well, use your imagination.

Who wrote the song Watermelon Man?

Watermelon Man (composition) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia ” Watermelon Man ” is a jazz standard written by Herbie Hancock for his debut album, Takin’ Off (1962). Hancock’s first version was released as a grooving hard bop record, and featured improvisations by Freddie Hubbard and Dexter Gordon.

What is the form of the Watermelon Man?

The form is a sixteen bar blues. Recalling the piece, Hancock said, “I remember the cry of the watermelon man making the rounds through the back streets and alleys of Chicago. The wheels of his wagon beat out the rhythm on the cobblestones .”

What year did Herbie Hancock write Watermelon Man?

“Watermelon Man” is a jazz standard written by Herbie Hancock, first released on his debut album, Takin’ Off (1962).

Did Mongo Santamaría record the song Watermelon Man?

Mongo Santamaría. Santamaría later asked Hancock if he could record the tune. On December 17, 1962, Mongo Santamaría recorded a three-minute version, suitable for radio, where he joined timbalero Francisco “Kako” Baster in a cha-cha beat, while drummer Ray Lucas performed a backbeat. Santamaría included the track on his album Watermelon Man (1962).

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