When I read this quote, I automatically replaced the word, “Jazz” with the word, “music,” because Jazz isn’t the only type of music that this statement applies to. All of music is a human experience because you can find instances of people taking their stories and struggles and turn it into some type of creative product across different cultures and in different communities around the world. It is very interesting to see similarities and parallels between different cultures in terms of how music is created, performed and shared. Freedom and progression are two inherently human needs. I believe that this is the element of humanity that Herbie is referring to.
Although music, itself, is mutable, Jazz is one of the few musics that can not only influence, but be influenced by other musics. It relies heavily on improvisation, yet still retains a certain musical format. Decades later, there is still so much freedom and progression in the music that it’s no wonder why people keep turning back to it, responding to it in a positive way. The music is constantly evolving, changing with the times, and yet still retains some of its original quality.
All the while I write this response, I keep thinking that this statement (that Herbie Hancock made) is so Herbie Hancock. He is the epitome of this quote: the type of musician that is able to progress with his music and ideas, staying relevant when so much of the music industry and the world itself has changed. He has been able to become and stay as successful as he has been because he is constantly evolving and adapting, both as a person and as a musician; being part of the human experience.