Herbie Hancock thrills crowd in Belgrade

BELGRADE - One of the greatest living jazz musicians, Herbie Hancock, held an excellent concert before a packed auditorium at Belgrade's Sava Centar on Thursday.

The jazz legend appeared on stage with the All Star band, comprising James Genus on bass, Lionel Louek on guitar and Vinnie Colaiuta on drums.

Hancock, who is one of the most famous and influential jazz pianists and composers, an Oscar winner, professor of the Harvard University and a UN good will ambassador, showed that he is still in great shape, despite his age.

The lively 74-year-old performed some of his most famous numbers, like Cantaloupe Island, Chameleon, Watermelon Man and Rockit, for the Belgrade crowd, which did not hide its excitement throughout the show.

African virtuoso Loueke performed a solo number at the middle of the concert, which Hancock referred to as a message to Belgrade.

The concert lasted over 2 hours and included a brilliant encore that lifted the audience on their feet.

Hancock's first concert in Belgrade was in 1972, which he described on Thursday as very stressful, since he and his band arrived in Belgrade at the time without instruments, which got lost in transport.

Photo Tanjug/Z. Zestic