Ghosthouse, Hancock is a giant and still going strong. He can play credibly in just about any genre including Classical; and as you say, very prolific. "squawking chicken", that's very funny and I can see (hear) why that came to mind. But, that's some funky chicken! You're correcf, it's clavinet. I kinda like it. My guess is that it's an overdub by Herbie of the repetitive syncopated rhythm; works for me. The "reedy sounding instrument" is Bennie Maupin's soprano saxophone. Very funky player with a rough-around-the-edges tone but great feel. His tenor and bass clarinet are very good also. Enjoyed the clavinet retrospecrive; thanks.
I posted Herbie's "Takin Off" recently, but was not aware of any alternate takes; thanks for that. Freddie Hubbard is probably my favorite trumpet player. Check out Oliver Nelson's "Blues And The Abstract Truth" for what I think is one of the best trumpet solos on record. You may find this interesting:
http://www.afka.net/Articles/1995-01_Tmershi_Duween.htm
I posted Herbie's "Takin Off" recently, but was not aware of any alternate takes; thanks for that. Freddie Hubbard is probably my favorite trumpet player. Check out Oliver Nelson's "Blues And The Abstract Truth" for what I think is one of the best trumpet solos on record. You may find this interesting:
http://www.afka.net/Articles/1995-01_Tmershi_Duween.htm

