Joe Henderson
Jazz for aficionados
Jazz for aficionados
I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.
Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.
The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".
"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.
While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.
Enjoy the music.
I'm going to review records in my collection, and you'll be able to decide if they're worthy of your collection. These records are what I consider "must haves" for any jazz aficionado, and would be found in their collections. I wont review any record that's not on CD, nor will I review any record if the CD is markedly inferior. Fortunately, I only found 1 case where the CD was markedly inferior to the record.
Our first album is "Moanin" by Art Blakey and The Jazz Messengers. We have Lee Morgan , trumpet; Benney Golson, tenor sax; Bobby Timmons, piano; Jymie merrit, bass; Art Blakey, drums.
The title tune "Moanin" is by Bobby Timmons, it conveys the emotion of the title like no other tune I've ever heard, even better than any words could ever convey. This music pictures a person whose down to his last nickel, and all he can do is "moan".
"Along Came Betty" is a tune by Benny Golson, it reminds me of a Betty I once knew. She was gorgeous with a jazzy personality, and she moved smooth and easy, just like this tune. Somebody find me a time machine! Maybe you knew a Betty.
While the rest of the music is just fine, those are my favorite tunes. Why don't you share your, "must have" jazz albums with us.
Enjoy the music.
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And now for something completely different. I heard this on my favored jazz station this morning and it raised an interesting question -- what is the most unusual instrument featured in a jazz recording? One seemingly easy answer might be the bagpipes. But a cat named Rufus Harley had several LPs as a leader and he was not the only musician to extemporize on the bag and pipes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sBT47aU11Pc So aside from my man Monk on the celeste, I nominate this Artie Shaw number including the harpsichord. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycdINaa8St0 Per the internet this piece has been utilized as a theme song by several folks. I first heard it introducing a wonderful radio show on all things automotive from LA many years ago (thanks John and Len) and I enjoyed it. |
My suggestion for Joe Henderson, try the whole album or at least look for favorite tunes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QN4voczlaxk |
frogman Yes that effect Dorham uses at the minute mark in "Blue Bossa' is not a mistake and I have heard it from other horn players, Scott Hamilton comes to mind regarding this effect. In fact I believe Joe handerson uses this effect at about the 10 sec mark into the other cut you posted from "An Evening With" .Yes? I can't add much more than what you have said about Henderson and agree he is up there as one of my favorite tenor players of that era. Such an inventive soloist and terrific songwriter. He might not have the name recognition of a Sonny Rollins , Coltrane or Dexter Gordon but certainly belongs in that group when evaluating top tenor players. ghosthouse I don't know how much exposure you've had to Henderson but you can't go wrong with ANY of his Blue Note work and also his later recordings on Milestone records. Thanks for bringing attention to him. I need to dig out my vinyl lp's with Henderson and relisten. Joe as sideman w/G Green: JOES SOLO STARTS AT 7:48 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gwaFDFP7m_E |
pryso haha . Yes we all did not have the long green back then . It looked like a Chevy Bel-Air a neighbor had in high school which I thought was a really cool car. Can't help you out with the 45 changers , was not aware they even had that feature available. Good choice on the "Musing For MILES" .Another late Henderson album is "lush Life" that I recommend . A tribute to B Strayhorn music. Have not heard from orpheus10 lately hope he is doing okay. Thanks to Alexatpos for additional Henderson. |
So glad to see Joe Henderson lots of love here. Beautiful player! As I think about it, there are probably less than half a dozen players who hasn’t recorded as solo record I did not like; he is definitely one of them. For me, one of the things that I love about him and which makes him unique is that he played with a very modern and advanced harmonic vocabulary, but played it with a tone that did not come from the hard-edged and bright Coltrane sound approach. I can’t think of many like that even today. Joe Lovano is one. pryso asked: **** what is the most unusual instrument featured in a jazz recording? **** Celeste? Bagpipes? Harpsichord? Puleeease!!!! That’s unusual?😄. How’s this for unusual? https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-75nlrqEjWA Given the examples previously given, some might question whether this can be called “jazz”. This is definitely jazz in my book. Moreover, I think that a record that dedicates a tune to Cannonball Adderly (“Cannon”) by a musician who Miles once said was his biggest influence could probably pretty safely be called jazz...if one cares. The term “genius” is probably used way too loosely. Hermeto Pascoal was an amazing musical genius. Composer, bandleader and multi-strumentalist on guitars, keys, flutes, saxophones, brass and just about anything that he could get a hold of, he was the idol of the wave of great Brazilian artists who worked with prominent American jazz artists during the 70’s and 80’s (Airto, Flora Purim, Milton Nascimento, Elis Regina, David Amaro). Incredible musician. Way out there at times, but amazing. This record is quite a ride; by one of the most interesting and unusual musicians ever. Think “Herbie Mann goes for a hike with Frank Zappa in the Brazilian jungle”: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2ptOJ33u1bQ |
A pig’s squeal is centered roughly around 4,000 HZ (for real; love the internet) Hmmmm!......I think it may be time for new tubes in your line stage 😉. Seriously, like acman3 said, listen again; at least for the 60 seconds. It’s worth it. Try it again: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-75nlrqEjWA **** "How do you come up with something like that?" **** Who knows? However, one has to understand the culture to get it. And I think part of the answer may be found in why Miles said what he said about Hermeto and what we know about Miles. IOW, a no boundaries, “sky’s the limit” approach to the creative process. There are, in fact, some people on this planet that hear music, or the potential for music, in just about any and every sound and thing imaginable; and have an extremely uncompromising attitude about this idea and their art in general. Hermeto is one of the few that can also back up their way-out-there notions with extreme ability and skill in the conventional. Btw, I went to an Hermeto concert back in the 80’s here in NYC. I heard some of the most unbelievably virtuosic and intricate compositions for a “jazz” band imaginable. Right off the bat one could tell that Hermeto was annoyed that there were some in the audience who weren’t listening and were there just to socialize. Half way through the third tune he waved the band out and they walked off the stage. I didn’t blame them. For anyone interested in learning about this very unusual musician: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9hb_Q3VCViI |
Well, I guess it helps if you know what you're listening for. Yes I heard the oinks and grunts first time but never supposed it might be a piglet. And the first song was a couple minutes in before I read the comments to see the pig reference. So I got it, I just didn't know what I got! ;^) Anyway, I concede that should win the prize for most unusual instrument. frog your follow up with the video bio on Hermeto reminded me of one of my favored rock musicians, someone that admittedly not that many other rock fans appreciate. The Captain hisself, plus band of course - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0uqyjGuxyA |
Nsp, since you have mentioned Henderson playing on album with Grant Green, here is another album ’The Kicker’ where they play together. In fact, its the same line up like on ’Idle Moments’ except this album was released under the name of Bobby Hutcherson, but many years after it was recorded. Why, guess we should never know for sure.... https://youtu.be/gbxLxZVJ9nw I think you also mentioned Phineas Newborn J.R. couple posts ago. We have posted him as well, but perhaps you will like this album,where he plays as sideman. Posted before, but it dont mind... 'Maggie s back in town' by Howard McGhee' https://youtu.be/nilp-xPq0Y0 |
John McLaughlin, "My Goal's Beyond" on Douglas 9 records is excellent from both sound quality and performance perspectives. An interesting book on early jazz was re-issued recently by "New York Review Books" entitled, "Really the Blues" by Mezz Mezzrow. It's quite interesting and gives possibly unique perspectives on many of the early jazz masters to whom Mezz sold lots of weed. Another good book is "Straight Life", Art Pepper's autobiography. |
I’ll put a plug in Larry Young, from my old stomping grounds of Newark, NJ. All his early albums up to “Of Love and Peace” are beautifully timeless. The later “Unity” ( those into Joe Henderson take note) has incredible organ work that dispenses with the need for a bassist. If you’re into Wolfgang’s Vault, check out the abbreviated Santana McLaughlin concerts from Berkeley, CA and focus on Larry’s playing - it is the glue that holds the long, improvisational pieces together with a spirituality that matches and, in moments, even soars above the guitarists’ performances. |
Thanks for the great clips and recommendations, everyone. jb, “Unity” is a classic that seems to be overlooked way too often. Worth posting again: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IwOIVQVVhwg https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=rZC7mEzczEI https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GYQNsuzMXiQ |
Joe Henderson’s talent was prodigious. His kill as an orchestrator and big band arranger is often overlooked for some reason. This is one of my favorite big band recordings: https://m.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLW8vvvYzB1gEgNj2vdSgKapC5O7qPMuc8 |
He was not mentioned a lot, my tonights album of choice... Don Friedman on piano with Chuck Isreals and Pete la Rocca on 'Circle Waltz' album from 1962. https://youtu.be/KNJsn0m8VL8 https://youtu.be/7rmY1b6TMKY |
alexatpos Thanks was not aware of "The Kicker" . Yes it is hard to know who's date some of these releases were meant to be. Just glad it was issued. Henderson & Dorham collaborated well her are tunes from "Trumpet Toccata" http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lhtwZ1UNiT0 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sUz-6CZXWO4 Another Dorham/Henderson live from 1963 : http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HLBsjJmUFkU Thanks for posting some more P Newborn JR. . Being fairly new to the forum I am not always aware of previous postings I am glad he has received some recognition. |
nsp, it was called "The Car Show", not to be confused with "Car Talk" with Tom and Ray which was syndicated out of Boston, or should I say Harvard Square. I listened to "The Car Show" directly from an LA FM station which was part of the Pacifica Network. No idea if they had any east coast stations. Len Frank and John Retsic (sp?) were absolutely amazing for their automotive knowledge. Part of the program involved callers with questions about their vehicles. It didn't seem to matter how old or how rare the model, those two knew something about them. I listened most Saturdays for several years, continuing after Len died suddenly. The Artie Shaw theme music was use throughout. |
This for fans of Dexter Gordon. I'm on the mailing list for the PBS "Antiques Roadshow" and just received this link - http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/roadshow/stories/articles/2014/5/5/dexter-gordon-bebop-copenhagen Those of you who might also be film buffs, if you've not seen "Round Midnight" I highly recommend it. https://www.amazon.com/Round-Midnight-Dexter-Gordon/dp/B0016OM3TU/ref=sr_1_1?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8... |
Fantastic article, pryso; thanks for that. I love Dexter Gordon’s playing. He was my first favorite tenor player. The article does a great job of explaining his importance. I heard him live at the Village Vanguard a few times back in the 80’s when he made his big comeback and return from Europe. Like some of Art Pepper’s late recordings I find his playing toward the end of his career to be almost painful to listen to. The ravages of practically lifelong drug and alcohol abuse. I remember the last time I heard him that he sounded like he looked and acted...bombed. The huge sound and soulfulness was there (mostly), but playing so behind the rhythm that it was uncomfortable. It was kind of sad because it was so obvious that the man had a major problem. The “Body And Soul” movie clip is a good example of this. In his prime, he was amazing: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tzcl454jdhI&t=0s&index=2&list=PLF2E1AC12D0827B26 Here’s a “Body And Soul” from the same period (1962): https://m.youtube.com/watch |
alexatpos Thanks for bringing up Don Friedman , a pianist and compser I hold in high regard. He came up at the same time as Bill Evans but is not as well known. I feel all of his early 1960's music was very original and used early free playing with conventional bop. My picks : A Day In The Life http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JPM3oDZJ-q0 Dreams And Explorations http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=oWap1BeOX3A http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=3byGJ-K06Xo |
Nsp, like him too, here is another his album that I have....'Flashback' from 1963. https://youtu.be/V0_U6WEFk78 Here is a same composition played by Friedman and Evans.... 'I hear a Rhapsody'... https://youtu.be/oHuZd7SG3x8 Friedman https://youtu.be/myUuXffyu_k Evans, Hall https://youtu.be/AL0tM4GKhxA Evans |
Schubert, glad you enjoyed that J Henderson recording. I agree, as good as it gets. Top NY guys. It’s an interesting thing how, just as we speak of the differences between East Coast vs West Coast players as soloists, those differences give the ensemble playing a certain flavor and attitude. Wonderful arrangements. Very intelligent and informed by the techniques of modern Classical composers; and they swing! You may find the notes in the CD insert interesting: http://jazzprofiles.blogspot.com/2014/08/the-joe-henderson-big-band.html |
Yes, I caught on to the classical bent right away . Listen to all 3 times to try and figure out whether the guys or the arrangements were the reason ,came to conclusion must be some of both .Much as I love the big swing-era bands , none of them had anything like the skills of the Henderson players . Should be mandatory listening in ALL American schools of music ! |
Jafant & alexatpos I found an excellent interview W/ D Friedman and y es he did know& admire B Evans . And yes he went his own way which is why I started listening to him years ago. http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NRgSqW_VxOA |