In a way, Speak Like A Child is brilliant. Hancock stated that the record is supposed to illicit a childlike feeling of innocence and freedom, and in the case of the penultimate track, the loss of said innocence and freedom. It's no wonder then, that this record takes its cues from the simplicity of Maiden Voyage while leaving plenty of room for free-forming and improvisation, as is usually the case with his records. The record is imaginative, but confined so that it doesn't go off of the rails; it's like childhood in a way: there's not a whole lot you can do, but your mind is always at work regardless. The restrictions of the playing style here may not allow for total freedom or independence, but it still manages to feel vibrant and alive despite this. Most of the songs are piano-driven hard bop/post-bop numbers with some slight modal leanings, and Hancock as usual is phenomenal. It may not have a ton of really eventful moments, but it's still some very well constructed and conceived jazz perfect for reminiscing on easier, happier times.
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