Maiden Voyage by Herbie Hancock

Start with “Maiden Voyage”

Pay attention to the pattern the piano sets up before the horns have much to say. Once you can anticipate those chords, try following Tony Williams’s cymbal instead. The texture keeps changing even when the piano comes back to a sound you recognize. See which instrument first makes the opening feel like it’s in motion.

Turn up the pace

On “The Eye of the Hurricane,” try to catch the end of the theme. When the solo starts, stay with Ron Carter’s bass line for a few seconds. There’s enough activity up front to pull your attention away. Each time that happens, see how quickly you can find the bass again.

Close with “Dolphin Dance”

Let the melody go by once, then play it again with your attention on the piano underneath. Notice how the chords can make a note in the melody feel different as it lingers. If a passage slips past you on the first listen, that’s a good place to start your replay.

Album reference · Blue Note Records. Listening prompts and mood labels are editorial suggestions.