L.A. Philharmonic extends jazz contract with Herbie Hancock

The L.A. jazz scene will continue to be led by a legend as the L.A. Philharmonic announced a one-year extension to Herbie Hancock’s contract as the Creative Chair for Jazz, allowing the composer-pianist and advocate for the music to continue his tenure through the 2013-14 season.

“Working with the Los Angeles Philharmonic has been filled with wonderful experiences, from great performances at the Hollywood Bowl to playing at Walt Disney Concert Hall with Gustavo and this phenomenal orchestra,” Hancock said in a statement released by the L.A. Phil late Monday.

“The organization’s approach to live music encompasses the best the industry has to offer and I look forward to spending more time sharing in their jazz programming,” he said.

Though marked by one-of-a-kind performances that included last year’s free-flowing evening with a quartet featuring Hancock and Wayne Shorter at Disney Hall as well as an all-star concert centered around the music of Joni Mitchell dubbed “Joni’s Jazz,” Hancock has taken criticism for some of his choices, which have leaned toward popular favorites.

Recent performances at Walt Disney Concert Hall have included shows with Chucho Valdes and Poncho Sanchez, Billy Childs and the Kronos Quartet, and a solo show with pianist Keith Jarrett. Among the concerts scheduled for this summer at the Hollywood Bowl are shows with Anita Baker, the Duke Ellington Orchestra and tributes to the music of Miles Davis and Ray Charles.

Shows already announced for the 2012-13 season at Disney Hall include concerts with Hancock, the Wayne Shorter Quartet with Esperanza Spalding and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra led by Wynton Marsalis.

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