Tag: Joe Henderson

Title: Joe Henderson – Page One (1963) [APO Remaster 2009]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

The title Page One is fitting for this disc, as it marks the beginning of the first chapter in the long career of tenor man Joe Henderson. And what a beginning it is; no less than Kenny Dorham, McCoy Tyner, Butch Warren, and Pete La Roca join the saxophonist for a stunning set that includes “Blue Bossa” and “Recorda Me,” two works that would be forever associated with Henderson. Both are bossa novas that offer a hip alternative to the easy listening Brazilian trend that would become popular with the masses. Henderson and Dorham make an ideal pair on these and other choice cuts like the blistering “Homestretch” and the engaging swinger “Jinrikisha.” These both show the already mature compositional prowess that would become Henderson’s trademark throughout his legendary career. The final blues number, “Out of the Night,” features powerful work by the leader that only hints of things to come in subsequent chapters.

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Title: Joe Henderson – Lush Life: The Music Of Billy Strayhorn (1992) [Reissue 2004]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

With this release, the executives at Verve and their marketing staff proved that yes, indeed, jazz can sell. The veteran tenor Joe Henderson has had a distinctive sound and style of his own ever since he first entered the jazz major leagues yet he has spent long periods in relative obscurity before reaching his current status as a jazz superstar. As for the music on his “comeback” disc, it does deserve all of the hype. Henderson performs ten of Billy Strayhorn’s most enduring compositions in a variety of settings ranging from a full quintet with trumpeter Wynton Marsalis and duets with pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson to an unaccompanied solo exploration of “Lush Life.” This memorable outing succeeded both artistically and commercially and is highly recommended.

hraudio | allmusic | discogs

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