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Tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson has been an independent and influential voice since he first recorded for Blue Note in the early 1960s, enlivening the postbop mainstream with consistent intensity and some fresh ideas. This CD pays tribute with former Henderson sidemen and other young musicians playing some of his more enduring tunes.
Eric Reed, pianist in Henderson's band in the late 1980s, wrote the arrangements, and, along with bassist Rodney Whitaker and drummer Carl Allen, forms the nucleus of a band that ranges from trio to sextet with a permutating front line. Trumpeters
Randy Brecker and Terrell Stafford appear together on the gospel-tinged "Mamacita" and the hard bop flag-waver "The Kicker," adding a distinctive brassiness, while Stafford and vibraphonist Steve Nelson add luminous warmth to
Billy Strayhorn's "Isfahan."
Javon Jackson was a good choice for the tenor spot--he's an inventive player who's clearly been influenced by Henderson's conception--handling "Isotope" and its wriggling,
Monk-ish line with particular aplomb. Henderson associate
Joanne Brackeen appears on one track, leading a quartet with Jackson on a densely woven rendition of "Gazelle." This is an effective homage, demonstrating just how good Henderson's compositions have been and the kind of thoughtful, vibrant playing they can provoke.
--Stuart Broomer
Product Description
hank You, Joe (also available as a MP3 download) creates a memorable tribute to Joe Henderson, one of Jazz music s greatest tenor saxophonists & composers. We at Arkadia Jazz feel it is important to honor the legacy of some of Jazz s greats. For our Thank You series of musical homages, we asked our artists go into the studio and record an all new, previously unreleased song either derived from or influenced by the enduring legacy Jazz s royalty. In this case, we honor tenor saxophone legend Joe Henderson. Eric Reed, Carl Allen, Rodney Whitaker, Javon Jackson, Terrell Stafford, Randy Brecker, & Steve Nelson', with a special appearance by Arkadia Jazz recording artist & Henderson s former longtime pianist Joanne Brackeen, interpret some of the songs that typify the Henderson sound and spirit in their own unique style and manner, creating a showcase of both Henderson s music and the influence he left behind!
