Herbie Hancock Humbled By Christina Aguilera  8/11/05

Humble jazz star Herbie Hancock was stunned when Christina Aguilera and Joss Stone agreed to appear on his new album - even though he'd never met them.

The musician has put together a star-studded wish list of artists to perform with him on Possibilities, and was blown away when they all agreed.

He says, "When we put out the feelers, I had no idea what would happen. I'd never met John Mayer. I knew Sting. But I'd never met Christina Aguilera or Joss Stone or Lisa Hannigan or Jonny Lang or Trey Anastasio.

"When we got the feedback, and it was 'yes' from everywhere, it really shocked me - and pleased me."

But he is quick to reassure hardcore fans he hasn't completely abandoned jazz.

He adds, "We're not trying to do a jazz record. We're trying to be as inclusive as we can be, with an underlying spirit that is a jazz spirit."