Mr. Hands

Released in 1980, Mr. Hands stands as a pivotal entry in Herbie Hancock's discography, marking the end of his primary fusion era and the beginning of his experimentation with computer technology. Unlike the more commercially-minded 'Monster', this album is a stylistic anthology, featuring different legendary rhythm sections on almost every track. Notably, it includes 'Shiftless Shuffle', a rediscovered gem from the 1973 Head Hunters sessions, and '4 A.M.', which features a rare and brilliant collaboration with bassist Jaco Pastorius. The closing track, 'Textures', is a landmark in solo electronic composition, performed entirely by Hancock on a battery of synthesizers. This was the first album where Hancock utilized an Apple II computer for sequencing, a partnership that would define his 1980s output. Critics often cite this as one of his most consistent and musically rewarding albums of the period, praising its balance of technical wizardry and genuine funk sensibility.