Fall 2026

S ixty-three years ago in 1963, pianist Hancock and bassist Carter took the main stage (also known as the Pattee Arena) with the legendary and incredibly influen- tial trumpet master Miles Davis, and did so again the following year.The 1963 show was recorded and released as “Live at the 1963 Monterey Jazz Festival.” In “All About Jazz,” critic Samuel Chell wrote, “This recording is so fresh and alive son- ically and so rich and rewarding musically that 45 years literally melt away upon hearing it.”This year, the pair have crafted a program to honor their late bandleader as a duo. Over the years, Hancock has performed at MJF many times in a variety of ensembles, as has Carter. And it’s safe to say they are looking forward to returning. “There’s a lot of cama- raderie that happens at Monterey when musi- cians get to see each other because we don’t get to do that because we’re traveling so much,” Hancock told Carmel Magazine in 2023. “It’s a family atmosphere at Monterey. The weather is great; it’s right by the ocean. It’s a very relaxing place.” 128 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 T H E 6 9 T H A N N UA L MO N T E R E Y J A Z Z F E S T I VA L Miles Davis performing in 1967 with members of his quintet, bassist Ron Carter and saxophonist Wayne Shorter, in London. Carter and pianist Herbie Hancock were key players in Davis’ recordings and live shows throughout that decade. Herbie Hancock and Ron Carter: For Miles Sunday, September 27, 7:45 pm, Jimmy Lyons Stage Photo: National Jazz Archive/Heritage Images