Herbie Hancock is excited about his forthcoming album, "River: The Joni Letters."

Although the veteran keyboard wizard was eager to chat about the disc, don't expect him to preview tracks when he performs Tuesday at the Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank.

The laid-back innovator will wait until the album is released on Sept. 25 before touring behind the effort, mostly a collection of Joni Mitchell songs. For the Red Bank show, Hancock will offer a cross section of material from his own esteemed career.

"There's plenty for me to play when I come your way," Hancock said while calling from his Los Angeles studio.

Hancock has been a jazz maverick for 45 years. Even though he has achieved a great deal and will focus on his own canon when he plays the Basie, he couldn't contain his enthusiasm when discussing "River."

"It's been a pleasure making this album," Hancock said. "It's been a pleasure to know Joni for so many years. She's an incredible poet. This album is my tip of the cap to her."

Norah Jones, Tina Turner, Leonard Cohen, Corinne Bailey Rae and Mitchell herself lent their vocals to the project.

"That's a lot of talent," Hancock said. "I know that's an understatement, but it's the truth. Wait until you hear it. We slowed her songs down quite a bit. It's a different take on what Joni has done."

Hancock, 67, has recorded various types of jazz, acoustic and electronic music. He offers blues, funk, gospel and pop.

"I've always wanted to make something different," Hancock said. "I've always wanted to go on another path. I never wanted to make two albums that were similar."

Many of Hancock's peers have navigated familiar waters due to fear of alienating fans.

"That has never entered my mind," he said. "Other artists definitely worry about losing an audience, but I've never thought about losing (mine). What I do takes effort and courage. You have to take those extra steps  or at least I have to take them."