An entirely enjoyable autobiography by a musician unafraid to experiment, improvise and reach beyond expectations. Some remarkable moments of vulnerability and candor which left me with yet more respect for this extraordinary musician. ( )

Listening to Herbie Hancock tell his story on the audiobook edition of "Possibilities" is a treat. His prose and his narration are both incredibly conversational, so it feels like having a cup of coffee with this jazz master, rather than laboring through a chronology of accomplishments.

Most rewarding for me was learning how remarkably stable he's been in a field that has taken down more than its fair share of talents. He certainly experimented with drugs, but got away from them quickly (though crack cocaine comes into his life in the 90's for a brief and transformative time). He's been married to his wife Gigi for decades. He is aware of his place in the jazz pantheon but maintains an admirable level of humility and seems genuinely gracious anytime he's acknowledged by his peers or fans.

A good deal of this book deals with Herbie's deep devotion to Nichiren Buddhism and his reliance on it as a spiritual path throughout his adult life. He and Wayne Shorter are both practicing Buddhists and their practice has anchored their journeys through the world of music and their personal lives. As a Buddhist myself (though from a different tradition), it was wonderful to hear how transformative Mr. Hancock's devotion has been for him.

Of course, then there's the music. "Watermelon Man", "Cantaloupe Island", "Rockit", his Grammy winning work on "River: The Joni Letters". His work with the legendary Miles Davis Quintet, The Headhunters, and Mwandishi, and all the stories of his friendships with jazz legends and other musical artists.

Finally, there's Herbie's rich curiosity, which led him to study technology and become an early adopter of a variety of techniques that changed his sound and put him on the forefront as a true musical innovator.

This is a book that any jazz fan will cherish. It's also a book that many Buddhists will appreciate. While a hard copy is always agreeable, this is one of the rare self-narrated books by a musician that holds up as you listen. Herbie's humor, heart, and ease with who he is comes through as he tells his story. ( )

If you're into audiobooks, definitely consider giving this a listen. Hancock's delivery is so conversational, it feels like you're hanging out together as he tells you all about his life. I appreciate how he calls himself out on some of the BS he's pulled, though the degree to which he claimed to be unassuming (like, nearly every situation) triggers a little side eye in me. Regardless, the man has had an incredible career, and I enjoyed getting his take on life. Certainly one of the better music memoirs out there. ( )

Well written and described, but basically, felt like a blow by blow. I prefer memoirs that are a slice through with some sort of insight and emotional growth. This felt much more like autobiography, which is fine, just not for me. ( )

By being so open and honest about his addictions and flaws, Herbie has left himself open to criticism. However, his pioneering work in music speaks for itself- and this book is a riveting read. ( )

A great read/listen. Very happy I checked this out...Herbie appears to be very honest about his failings as a son, brother, husband, and father, while celebrating some truly great music. This is a man who knows his place in the history of this art, but doesn't come off as a braggart. He does a great job narrating the book despite not being a professional narrator. ( )

Terrific overview of Herbie Hancock's life and career that will have long-time fans checking their record shelves for the albums that he references along the way. He gives a lot of credit to Miles Davis for the trust and faith he put in his younger musicians such as Tony Williams and Hancock at the time of the Second Great Quintet. Donald Byrd is actually probably the wisest mentor he had though as he advised Hancock to keep his own publishing from the beginning which obviously paid off enormously with hits such as "Watermelon Man" and "Rockit."

This is a good-natured bio and although Hancock discusses a temporary drug addiction that he had 20 years ago, there is little of a "tell-all" feel to this. The few slight negative comments about other musicians are about one player who was constantly late to performances and about another young trumpet star whose insecurities may have led to braggadocio and putdowns of others. That's it!

Hancock attributes a lot of his success to Buddhism and chant which he discovered fairly early in his life and that belief is regularly mentioned in its relation to his music and career in a very positive sense

Not-so-ghost writer Lisa Dickey (who gets full cover credit) structures many of the chapter endings like a thriller, with cliff-hanger ending sentences that make you want to read the next chapter immediately. Very cleverly done! ( )

I'm a big jazz fan and enjoyed this book pretty well. Hancock tells of his upbringing, getting started as a musician, playing with Miles Davis, and becoming a bandleader. He talks a lot about what he was attempting to do with several albums, his fascination with electronic technology, and the impact of his Buddhist faith. His purposes in creating music change over time. We read a little about his problem with crack cocaine and his overcoming it.

I found the sections about writing for films interesting, and the way he talked about his family. I liked his approach in facing challenges: being told that something was impossible made him work harder to figure out a way. My only real complaint is that the tone of the book is so relentlessly positive. I didn't read it hoping for sensationalism, but it seemed as if he glossed over situations that might have been problematic. On race, for example, he took the attitude that it was up to him to decide how another's actions would affect him. This is certainly true, but he seems determined not to be controversial or stir up resentment by commenting on situations that he faced.

The book contains entertaining anecdotes about other significant jazz musicians, especially Miles, Wayne Shorter, and Tony Williams. Hancock is generous with his praise of musicians from many genres, as well as others with whom he interacted in various ways. There is a nice set of pictures of his birth family, his own family, and many of his bands. Hancock comes across as a man full of curiosity and hope, looking to do good in the world. ( )