“Theme from Blow Up” (1969) – Bobby Hutcherson * Written by Herbie Hancock * Japan LP: Oblique (1979) * Produced by Alfred Lion (session) and Michael Cuscuna (release) * Label: Blue Note
The 1966 film soundtrack version of Herbie Hancock’s theme for Blow Up runs to 1:35. Jazz vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, though, recorded a sublime version in 1967 that ought to be considered the definitive one. Featuring Hancock on piano, Albert Stinson on bass, and Joe Chambers on drums, it runs to 8:15 but doesn’t feel like it. Strangely enough, it never appeared on record until 1979—and only in Japan.