This piece plays tribute to the great pianist/ composer Herbie Hancock. His 1963 debut album for the Blue Note recording label featured a tune entitled 'Watermelon Man'. Hang Loose Herbie is reminiscent of this piece and similar pieces recorded throughout this period of his career. The work is based on a blues progression with an extra four bars. Whilst the two chords in 'Watermelon Man' move by step, they move chromatically in Hang Loose Herbie.