Letters to Herbie, by pianist John Beasley, presents a number of well-known Hebie Hancock songs in a fresh light, with a little help from Christian McBride on bass and Jeff “Tain” Watts on drums. I especially love “ 4 A.M.,” with McBride channeling Jaco Pastorius’ original performance, and “Eye of the Hurricane,” but it’s all good! I think it’s also one of the best jazz recordings of 2008.

The CD also contains “Bedtime Voyage,” an interesting combination of Herbie’s “Tell Me a Bedtime Story” and “Maiden Voyage.” The YouTube video below features a version recorded in April 2008 by Beasley with Trevor Ware on bass and Bill Wysaske on drums: