description Man-Child Overview
Man-Child is a 1975 album by pianist and keyboardist Herbie Hancock. It extends the electric jazz-funk direction of Head Hunters through layered synthesizers, clavinet, guitars, horns, percussion, and tightly constructed studio grooves. Its large group of contributors includes Bennie Maupin, Paul Jackson, Harvey Mason, and Wayne Shorter, and the music emphasizes ensemble texture and funk rhythm more than conventional acoustic jazz soloing.
insights Ranking position
Man-Child ranks #58 of 204 in the Funk Album ranking, behind Skin Tight, ahead of Lovesexy.
help Man-Child FAQ
How does Man-Child continue the sound of Head Hunters?
Man-Child continues Herbie Hancock's electric jazz-funk period with synthesizers, clavinet, layered percussion, and long studio grooves. Unlike the smaller core band heard on much of Head Hunters, the 1975 album uses a larger cast of guitarists, horn players, and percussionists.
Who plays on Hang Up Your Hang Ups?
"Hang Up Your Hang Ups" features Herbie Hancock on keyboards with musicians including bassist Paul Jackson and guitarist Wah Wah Watson. Watson's sharply articulated rhythm-guitar part is one of the track's defining sounds.
Does Wayne Shorter appear on Man-Child?
Yes, Wayne Shorter contributes soprano saxophone to "Steppin' in It." His appearance reconnects Hancock with a former Miles Davis Quintet colleague while placing Shorter's playing inside a dense 1970s funk arrangement.
Is Man-Child an acoustic jazz album?
No, Man-Child is built primarily around electric keyboards, synthesizers, electric bass, guitars, horns, and studio production. Tracks such as "Hang Up Your Hang Ups" and "Steppin' in It" emphasize repeated grooves more than acoustic piano improvisation.
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