My Point Of View (Rudy Van Gelder Edition) (1963)

""Takin' Off" was an impressive debut effort from Hancock, and this second record proved that it was no fluke. He took two risks with the album - his five original compositions covered more diverse stylistic ground than his debut, and he assembled a large septet for the sessions; the band features such stellar musicians as Donald Byrd (t), Hank Mobley (ts), Tony Williams (d), Grant Green (g), Chuck Israels (b), and Grachan Moncur III (tmb). It's a rare occasion that all musicians appear on the same track, which speaks well for the pianist's arranging capabilities. Hancock knows how to get the best out of his songs and musicians, which is one of the reasons why "My Point of View" is a captivating listen. The other is the sheer musicality of the album. Hard bop remains the foundation for Hancock's music, but he explores its limitations, finding its soulful side, its probing, adventurous leanings and its ballad side. It's a little more relaxed than "Takin' Off", but nearly as stunning." (S.T. Erlewine, Allmusic)