“Oleo” a la Hancock and Brecker

How about a romp through Rhythm changes? I’m always intrigued to see the different ways that master musicians handle that most contrafacted of all chord progressions besides the blues. The tune in this case is “Oleo,” and the band is Herbie Hancock, Buster Williams, Al Foster, Bobbie McFerrin, and Michael Brecker.

The YouTube video you’re about to see is a truly weird, creative, and delightful rendition, with McFerrin scat singing and acting a total goofball…and obviously having a blast. But I don’t think there’s any doubt that while these guys are just dinkering around, loose and laughing, the level of musicianship and interplay is monstrous. And need I say, Brecker delivers on the tenor sax.

This is a funny, fun, and really insane musical excursion that I think you can only loosely call “Oleo.” But you’ve heard enough from me. Give the band a listen.