Herbie Hancock

“Possibilities”

(Vector Recordings, Starbucks Here Music, Hancock Music)

Call it the Carlos Santana effect.

On Herbie Hancock’s latest, the legendary pianist goes for a jazz-minded take on the lucrative combination of old legend and young talent. On “Possibilities,” the guests include John Mayer, Christina Aguilera and Joss Stone – as well as vets Sting, Paul Simon and, yes, Santana, too.

While Santana’s 1999 “Superstition” was far from the first such duet-heavy disc, it gave the old easy-money formula new prestige after its record Grammy haul, mirrored by the late Ray Charles’ “Genius Loves Company.”

But Hancock’s pop-fusion has none of the energy that those collaborations did.

The 65-year-old Hancock is not new to pop crossover. After early bop playing, Hancock transferred into funk and synthesizer territory, most notably with the classic album “Head Hunters.”

To hear a once-so-ambitious musician cover the Bono/B.B. King blues song “When Love Comes to Town” with Joss Stone and Jonny Lang, one feels almost embarrassed. Is this a soon-to-be Gap commercial? Actually, more likely an ad for Starbucks, whose label, Hear Music, helped produce “Possibilities.”

Hancock’s playing is smooth but usually reserved to second fiddle, as on Mayer’s “Stitched Up.” His collaboration with Sting on “Sister Moon” is overdone but grooves more than anything else here.

At its best, “Possibilities” is a decent cabaret album – probably suitable background noise for cappuccino sipping.

– Jake Coyle, The Associated Press

Marty Stuart

“Souls’ Chapel”

(Superlatone)

To tout “Souls’ Chapel” as the best gospel record this year gives it short shrift, because Marty Stuart’s latest work ranks with the best 2005 albums in any genre.

The songs shimmer, and not just because of the tremolo guitars. Stuart’s exploration of twangy, bluesy Delta gospel has produced 12 tunes filled with faith, love and humor that will play well even beyond the Bible Belt. Call it souls music.

The material is far from staid: One tune swings, another rocks, and “Move Along Train” (with guest Mavis Staples) does the bump and grind. The well-chosen covers include two Pops Staples compositions, a Steve Cropper-William Bell song and Albert E. Brumley’s 1958 gem, “Lord, Give Me Just A Little More Time.”

Just as inspired are the original tunes. The instrumental closing title cut features surf guitar, “Way Down” benefits from a “Green Onions”-style organ vamp, and “Come Into The House of the Lord” is elevated by a classic couplet: “In my dissipation, I had a revelation.” Putting “Souls’ Chapel” over the top are the vocals, with Stuart and his band producing four-part harmonies pure as a prayer.

Stuart makes a compelling case: Jesus loves you, so crank it up.

– Steven Wine, The Associated Press