More Joe Henderson

A distinguished member of the Better Records Jazz Hall of Fame.

EXCELLENT SOUND ON SIDE ONE of this Highly Recommended Blue Note classic! This ’70s pressing has sound that’s sure to beat the pants off most other copies out there. Just listen to the sound of the percussion; on the earlier pressings it tends to be smeary, but that’s certainly not the case here! The overall sound is open and transparent with incredible presence. Turn up the volume and you’ll have a smokin’ jazz quintet tearing it up right there in your living room! I don’t think Henderson made a better album than this one, and I doubt it’ll be easy tol find another copy that sounds this good!  

Side one is wonderful, rating between A+ and A++. There’s lots of bass and it’s actually pretty tight, not like the tubby sound you’re likely to hear on most copies. The sax has that typical Rudy Van Gelder sound, a bit pinched and a bit smeary, but the trumpet sure sounds good.

Side two has a very nice top end and more tight, punchy bass. It’s not quite as smooth and sweet as side one, but the sound is still musical and enjoyable.

Those of you who don’t know much about Joe Henderson should check out his AMG Biography. This was his first Blue Note LP, and he went on to record for Blue Note, Milestone, and Verve well into the ’90s.

TRACK LISTING

Blue Bossa
La Mesha
Homestretch
Recorda Me
Jinrikisha
Out of the Night

AMG 5 Star Rave Review!

Tenor saxophonist joe henderson’s debut as a leader is a particularly strong and historic effort. With major contributions made by trumpeter kenny dorham, pianist mccoy tyner, bassist butch warren, and drummer pete la roca, henderson (who already had a strikingly original sound and a viable inside/outside style) performs six generally memorable compositions… It’s highly recommended.