Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn

Billy Strayhorn (Tribute), Joe Henderson

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 18, 1992)
• Original Release Date: February 18, 1992
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000046KH
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #36,639 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Joe Henderson's complex and subtle talents as a tenor saxophonist, bandleader, accompanist, and composer were already finely drawn after lengthy associations with the Blue Note and Milestone labels, when he signed to Verve as an elder statesman in the 1990s. For his debut with the label, Henderson chose an all-Billy Strayhorn session--he had recorded such Strayhorn gems as "Chelsea Bridge" before with great success. His solo rendition of the title track is spectacular. He goes on to play duets with pianist Stephen Scott, bassist Christian McBride, and drummer Gregory Hutchinson. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis joins the lineup for three guest performances. --John Swenson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best jazz releases of the '90s, June 1, 2000

By	Tyler Smith (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Henderson, who had never really been away, returned to the public's consciousness with this remarkable tribute to Strayhorn's music. While he shows absolute respect for his subject's material, Henderson, with the help of some fine sidemen, firmly affixes his own personal stamp.

One strength of the album is that Henderson mixes up his approaches to Strayhorn's wonderfully varied music, offering everything from quintets to solo performances. The quintet includes Wynton Marsalis on trumpet, Stephen Scott on piano, Christian McBride on bass, and Gregory Hutchinson on drums, a collection of some of the finest young talent around.

Marsalis's playing is strong throughout, but the music doesn't lag when he lays out. In fact, three of the strongest pieces on the CD feature the trio of Henderson, Scott and McBride ("Raincheck"), a duet of Hutchinson and Henderson ("Take the A Train") and Henderson playing alone ("Lush Life").

Throughout, Henderson gives his bandmates plenty of room. Scott is superb on "Lotus Blossom," Marsalis brings out the beauty of "A Flower is a Lovesome Thing," and McBride and Hutchinson shine throughout, Hutchinson in particular on "Rain Check" and "Take the A Train," which he shoves along like a locomotive heading for home.

As the previous reviewer said, it's a mystery why this CD hasn't been reviewed more often. It's been a staple of my collection ever since it came out and ever since I heard the first mysterious notes of "Isfahan" melt through the speakers. This is an all-timer...shame on you if you've missed it.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute classic, January 20, 2000

By	Azmadoc - See all my reviews

I really cant believe I'm the first person to review this wonderful work. This album finally brought Joe Henderson the attention he deserves. It showcases Henderson's ability to play in multiple styles both between and within songs. Add to this standout performances from the other players: Christian McBride(as usual), Wynton Marsalis (who really delivers on several tracks- he was catching alot of flak in the jazz community at the time for being too "tradition bound" and he turned some heads with his playing here)and the rest. Though the group swings well, the ballads really hold up well with repeated listening. Of my collection of 100+ jazz records this is easily in my top five and second in number of times listened to only to Miles' "Kind of Blue" and maybe Wes Montgomery "Smokin at the Half Note".

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lush Album: Every Moment Worth Hearing, December 28, 2004

By	John Sollami (Stamford, CT) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a terrific collection of Billy Strayhorn compositions presented in surprisingly varied arrangements. The glue holding them all together is the late, great Joe Henderson and his forthright, beautiful, well-thought-out sax playing alongside bassist McBride. The pieces with Marsalis also really shine. There's never a dull moment in this rich recording, appropriately named Lush Life. Buy it and enjoy.