From Herbie to Herwig and Back Again
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

It’s little wonder that one of Herbie Hancock’s most famous tunes is called “Chameleon”: Any newcomer who listens to one of his more abstract piano solos with Eric Dolphy, then to one of his complex compositions of the mid-’60s, which incorporate elements of modal jazz and free jazz, and then to “Headhunters” or another of his funky fusion works of the 1970s (including “Chameleon”) will swear that he is listening to the work of two or three different and equally ingenious musicians.
Please check your email.
A verification code has been sent to
Didn't get a code? Click to resend.
To continue reading, please select:
Enter your email to read for FREE
Get 1 FREE article
Join the Sun for a PENNY A DAY
$0.01/day for 60 days
Cancel anytime
100% ad free experience
Unlimited article and commenting access
Full annual dues ($120) billed after 60 days