Herbie Hancock jazzing up Hancher in Iowa City

Herbie Hancock's accomplishments are staggering. The jazz keyboard virtuoso won an Oscar in 1987 for the film score of “Round Midnight,” 14 Grammys and has collected myriad other honors.

Hancock’s hardware ranges from an MTV award for the innovative clip for the “Rockit,” to a Kennedy Center honor. But what has been most significant about his career is his impact on music.

The Chicago native, who will perform Saturday at Hancher Auditorium in Iowa City, changed the shape of jazz while rendering hard bop, fusion and hip-hop. Miles Davis' protoge has always been adventurous, whether Hancock was exploring acoustic jazz, R&B or electronic music.

“I strive to just get better and better at what I do,” Hancock said. “I’ve always wanted to share what I’m excited about creating.”

Hancock, 83, sounds like his late mentor, Davis, with whom he started playing 60 years ago. Hancock loosened up while performing with Davis, who stretched the boundaries of jazz.

“Miles encouraged us to try new things and experiment,” Hancock said while calling from Los Angeles. “I asked him what would happen if what we did didn’t work, and he told me not to worry about it. It was great advice since musicians need to try different things. The only way to know what will work is to give it a chance.”

Hancock has pushed the envelope throughout his career.

“That’s the only way I know how to do it, and I’ve enjoyed performing with musicians who have the same approach that I do, which is to go all out,” Hancock said.

The musical chameleon has played with a who’s who of jazz musicians, ranging from George Benson, Michael Brecker, Ron Carter, Wayne Shorter, and the Marsalis Brothers — Wynton and Branford — just to name a few luminaries.

“Herbie Hancock is one of the most innovative musicians out there,” Branford Marsalis said. “He’s also unique. There really is no one like Herbie. He’s just amazing.”

Hancock has an embarrassment of riches from which to draw while on tour, including more than 40 solo albums.

“It’s a labor of love,” he said. “I’ve had so much to express throughout this career. I’m fortunate to have it, but I also have worked so hard for it. I can’t imagine what else I would do, but fortunately, I never had to think about anything but working on music. I’ve tried my best to make the best of the talent that I have.

“It’s extremely gratifying to go out there and perform on those nights when it feels automatic, when everything is going right.”

Hancock remains a terrific live performer. During a recent show at Los Angeles’ venerable Hollywood Bowl, Hancock impressed during a 13-song set, particularly while delivering Weather Report tunes. The highlight of the show was a version of Joni Mitchell’s “A Circle Game.” (In 2007, Hancock created “River: The Joni Letters,” paying tribute to the legendary songwriter.)

Hancock still is a vibrant and entertaining musician as an octogenarian.

“I’ve always loved to perform,” he said. “That hasn’t changed.”

Hancock arguably is the greatest living jazz musician. His work is complex, yet accessible. No one plays a keytar quite like Hancock, who performs with palpable joy. Much like fellow icon Bob Dylan, Hancock rolls along and why not? The alternative is retiring but why stop playing when Hancock is clearly still at the top of his game?

“I enjoy what I do too much to stop,” he said.

His fans clearly enjoy the performer with the unparalleled career. Hancock is an innovator who puts on a performance clinic, which should not only be witnessed by longtime fans, but also young musicians who will be inspired by his work.