Jazz enthusiasts - A Joe Henderson find .....

Everyone knows Page One, Inner Urge, McCoy's Real McCoy are classics.
State of the Tenor is a different experience.... A mature artist at the peak of his powers with a world class rhythm section. After years or neglect Joe showed everyone he was the greatest living tenor player of his generation.
This is without question a great jazz record.

Foster 9, I hear what you're saying but remember jazz is a personal preference and all recordings are not going to personally involve you the same. When I listen to jazz, I not only listen to the music(tune) but also listen to what the musicians are doing as far as interacting with one another, their interpretation of the song, as well as how good the recording is.
I have the Chesky vinyl version which I think is probably better than the CD (based on other comparisions) but that's not saying that it would emotionally involve you any more than what you have.
Also, for you as well as others, one of Joe Henderson's earlier recordings "Page One" originally recorded in 1963 and remastered in 24 bit resolution in 1998 by Rudy Van Gelder is not a bad recording either, if you like Joe Henderson.

Ee3, I have the Chesky Audiophile Gold cd of "New York Reunion." It's well recorded but seems somehow lacking in emotional involvement. I had high hopes for it before purchase.

Jim, Thanks for the recommendation. I've put it on my shopping list along with Inner Urge suggested by Synthfreek. I'm going to pick up his "Music of Antonio Carlos Jobin" as well.

I also appreciate Oddmorning's comments endorsing the recording. It will get good play time in my house. :-)

Thanks for the tip, Newbee. Like you and Knownothing, I've always enjoyed Lush Life. After reading this thread yesterday, I listened to it and So Near So Far last night. If you're not familiar with the latter, you might look for it. It's a tribute to Miles Davis.

Big disappointment compared to what Foster 9?

I have the Reunion gold cd...big disappointment imo.

Joe is at his best on this piano less date. I believe it's from the early eighties. This is truly the real thing... subtle, intense interplay between Al Foster and Ron.
Sly references and unique grooves.
This is absolute major league modern jazz improvisation.
The hippest tunes... Monk's ask me now, Ellington, Mingus and a version of All the things that is so sophisticated it's exhilarating.
Really the more you know about jazz the more pleasure you will derive from this superb live set. Joe Henderson at his mature and powerful best really did represent the state of the modern tenor saxophone.
It's also available on vinyl... digitally recorded though.

Check out "The Real McCoy" by McCoy Tyner for the same quartet with ELVIN JONES - either the LP or the RVG remastered CD.

"Reunion" on Chesky label also has Ron carter and McCoy Tyner.

I purchased The State of the Tenor a few weeks ago. I like what I've heard so far though I haven't had a chance to get into all of it. I'm definitely a fan of JH.

Knownothing, I have Lush Life and really like it - very assessible, and like the one I mentioned, should have a very broad appeal to someone who likes jazz with its roots in the 60's and 70's. I have used the first cut of Lush life to audition components - the sax is a bit close to the mic and an edgy component will/can exagerate this and make it sound unmusical.

Onhwy61, LOL. Love rhetorical questions with their origins based (I assume) on posts I made yesterday. But, FWIW, I think those same comments were partially responsible for my making a recommendation for some alternative 'jazz' for someone interested. :-)

How does it compare to "Jazz At the Pawnshop"?

I like Inner Urge the best...w/ McCoy Tyner & Elvin Jones. I'll keep an eye out for that one though.

Newbee - That's great have to know. Have you heard Henderson's "Lush Life"?