Review by William Chan
US jazz legend Herbie Hancock delivered a masterclass in musical innovation on Sunday night at the Macau Cultural Centre (CCM), earning the most enthusiastic standing ovation I have ever witnessed in Macau.
At 84, Hancock’s virtuosity remains remarkable. The pianist who once performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at age 11 continues to push boundaries after seven decades on stage. Rather than resting on his laurels, he approaches each performance with fresh energy and evident joy.
What struck me most was his relentless creativity. Instead of simply revisiting his classics, Hancock reinvented each piece, weaving unexpected variations that kept the audience spellbound. His artistic courage in challenging both himself and his listeners’ expectations, even at this stage of his career, was inspiring.
The concert opened with abstract, nature-inspired improvisations before building into a masterfully arranged medley of his greatest works, culminating in his signature piece “Chameleon.” It was a revelatory demonstration of contemporary jazz’s emotional depth and narrative power.
His exceptional quintet included Terence Blanchard on trumpet, James Genus on bass, Lionel Loueke on guitar and vocals, and Jaylen Petinaud on drums. As a trumpet player myself, Blanchard’s technical mastery was eye-opening. Despite the age gap with young drummer Petinaud, who is only in his twenties, the ensemble’s chemistry suggested years of collaboration, with tight rhythmic interplay and intuitive communication.
For the finale, the octogenarian legend strapped on his keytar, moving energetically across the stage while trading explosive riffs with his bandmates. His dynamic performance, complete with spirited jumps during musical peaks, brought the house down. The diverse audience, including many from Hong Kong and the mainland, responded with extraordinary enthusiasm rarely seen at jazz concerts. The unanimous standing ovation and one fan’s attempt to rush the stage spoke volumes about the performance’s electrifying impact and technical mastery.
Herbie Hancock (from left to right), Lionel Loueke, Terence Blanchard, Jaylen Petinaud and James Genus pose after Sunday’s performance at the Macau Cultural Centre, earning an enthusiastic standing ovation. – Photo: William Chan
