JOE HENDERSON ft. ALICE COLTRANE - The Elements (1974-1996) RM | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

This is one of the odder Joe Henderson recordings. The four lengthy selections not only feature the great tenor-saxophonist but the piano and harp of Alice Coltrane (during one of her rare appearances as a sideman), violinist Michael White, bassist Charlie Haden, percussionist Kenneth Nash and Baba Duru Oshun on tablas. The somewhat spiritual nature of the music (Henderson's compositions are titled "Fire," "Air," "Water" and "Earth") and the presence of Alice Coltrane makes these Eastern-flavored performances rather unique if not all that essential: an early example of world music in jazz. This recording has been reissued as part of Henderson's eight-CD Milestone box set. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Fire    11:07
 Joe Henderson
2    Air    9:53
 Joe Henderson
3    Water 7:27
 Joe Henderson
Flute [Wood] – Kenneth Nash
4    Earth 13:07
 Joe Henderson
Narrator – Kenneth Nash
Credits :
Bass – Charlie Haden
Congas, Percussion [North African Sakara Drum], Bells [Chinese, African, Indian], Gong, Percussion – Kenneth Nash
Drums – Leon Ndugu Chancler (tracks: 1, 4)
Piano, Harp, Tambura, Harmonium – Alice Coltrane
Tabla, Percussion – Baba Duru Oshun
Tenor Saxophone, Flute, Composed By, Alto Flute – Joe Henderson
Violin – Michael White (tracks: 1, 2, 4)

DUKE PEARSON — Sweet Honey Bee (1966-1993) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Pianist/composer Duke Pearson leads an all-star group on this run-through of seven of his compositions. The musicians -- trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, altoist James Spaulding, Joe Henderson on tenor, bassist Ron Carter, drummer Mickey Roker, and the pianist/leader -- are actually more impressive than many of the compositions, although the swinging minor-toned "Big Bertha" deserved to become a standard. The frameworks are quite intelligent, everyone doesn't solo on each selection, and the improvisations are concise and clearly related to each tune's melody and mood. Although not quite essential, this set has some rewarding music. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Sweet Honey Bee    4:50
 Duke Pearson
2    Sudel    5:40
 Duke Pearson
3    After The Rain    4:25
 Duke Pearson
4    Gaslight    5:50
 Duke Pearson
5    Big Bertha    5:50
 Duke Pearson
6    Empathy    6:00
 Duke Pearson
7    Ready Rudy?    6:10
 Duke Pearson
Credits :
Freddie Hubbard - Trumpet
James Spaulding - Alto Sax & Flute
Joe Henderson - Tenor Sax
Duke Pearson - Piano
Ron Carter - Bass
Mickey Roker - Drums

KENNY DORHAM — Trompeta Toccata (1964) Two Version (1995, The BN Works 4100 Series) + (2006, RM | Serie RVG Edition) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

It seems strange and somewhat tragic that this was trumpeter Kenny Dorham's last full album as a leader for he was only 40 at the time and still in his prime. Dorham contributed three of the four selections to the session (Joe Henderson's catchy "Mamacita" also receives its debut), and his very underrated abilities as a writer, trumpeter, and talent scout are very much in evidence. This modern hard bop quintet set with Henderson on tenor, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath served as a strong (if premature) ending to Dorham's impressive career as a solo artist. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Trompeta Toccata 12:28
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
2    Night Watch 5:48
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
3    Mamacita 11:06
Written-By – Joe Henderson
4    The Fox 8:02
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
Credits :
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Albert Heath
Piano – Tommy Flanagan
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

FRANK MORGAN ALLSTARS — Reflections (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Altoist Frank Morgan leads an all-star group on this excellent hard bop set. With tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Mulgrew Miller, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Al Foster also in the sextet, it is not surprising that Morgan sounds a bit inspired. The musicians all play up to their usual level, performing "Caravan" (which was added to the CD version) and Sonny Rollins' "Sonnymoon for Two," plus a song apiece by Thelonious Monk ("Reflections"), Miller, Hutcherson, Henderson and Carter. Recommended. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    Old Bowl, New Grits 7:33
Composed By – Mulgrew Miller
2    Reflections 7:12
Composed By – Thelonious Monk
3    Starting Over 6:09
Composed By – Bobby Hutcherson
4    Black Narcissus 6:49
Composed By – Joe Henderson
5    Sonnymoon For Two 9:06
Composed By – Sonny Rollins
6    O.K. 6:11
Composed By – Ron Carter
7    Caravan 9:10
Composed By – Duke Ellington
Credits :
Acoustic Bass – Ron Carter
Alto Saxophone – Frank Morgan
Drums – Al Foster
Piano – Mulgrew Miller
Producer – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Vibraphone – Bobby Hutcherson

RON CARTER — All Blues (1973-2011) RM | CTI Records 40th Anniversary Series | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

One of bassist Ron Carter's better albums as a leader, this CTI LP features a very compact quartet comprised of tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Roland Hanna (keyboardist Richard Tee sits in on one number), drummer Billy Cobham and Carter. All of the music (even the ballad "Will You Still Be Mine?") has a blues feeling although several are not really blues. However, the quality of the solos is high, and this date lives up to one's expectations. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1    A Feeling 3:20
Written-By – Ron Carter
2    Light Blue 6:43
Written-By – Ron Carter
3    117 Special 7:02
Written-By – Ron Carter
4    Rufus 5:10
Written-By – Ron Carter
5    All Blues 9:31
Written-By – Miles Davis
6    Will You Still Be Mine 3:56
Written-By – Matt Dennis, Tom Adair
Credits :
Ron Carter - Acoustic and Piccolo Bass
Roland Hanna - Piano
Richard Tee - Electric Piano (#3)
Billy Cobham - Drums and Percussion
Joe Henderson - Tenor Saxophone

McCOY TYNER — The Real McCoy (1967-1999) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two and a half years after his last recording as a leader for Impulse, pianist McCoy Tyner emerged to start a period on Blue Note that would result in seven albums. Having left John Coltrane's Quartet in late 1965, Tyner was entering a period of struggle, although artistically his playing grew quite a bit in the late '60s. For this release, the pianist is teamed with tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Elvin Jones for five of his originals. Highlights of the easily recommended album include "Passion Dance," "Four by Five," and "Blues on the Corner." Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1 Passion Dance 8:44
McCoy Tyner
2 Contemplation 9:10
McCoy Tyner
3 Four by Five 6:33 
McCoy Tyner
4 Search for Peace 6:27
McCoy Tyner
5 Blues on the Corner 5:58
McCoy Tyner
Credits
Bass – Ron Carter
Drums – Elvin Jones
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Recorded By [Recording By] – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

HEBIE HANCOCK — Fat Albert Rotunda (1969-2001) RM | Warner Bros. Masters Series | FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Centered around some soundtrack music that Herbie Hancock wrote for Bill Cosby's Fat Albert cartoon show, Fat Albert Rotunda was Hancock's first full-fledged venture into jazz-funk -- and his last until Head Hunters -- making it a prophetic release. At the same time, it was far different in sound from his later funk ventures, concentrating on a romping, late-'60s-vintage R&B-oriented sound. with frequent horn riffs and great rhythmic comping and complex solos from Hancock's Fender Rhodes electric piano. The syllables of the titles alone -- "Wiggle Waggle," "Fat Mama," "Oh! Oh! Here He Comes" -- have a rhythm and feeling that tell you exactly how this music saunters and swaggers along -- just like the jolly cartoon character. But there is more to this record than fatback funk. There is the haunting, harmonically sophisticated "Tell Me a Bedtime Story" (which ought to become a jazz standard), and the similarly relaxed "Jessica." The sextet on hand is a star-studded bunch, with Joe Henderson in funky and free moods on tenor sax, Johnny Coles on trumpet, Garnett Brown on trombone, Buster Williams on bass, and Albert "Tootie" Heath on drums. Only Williams would remain for Hancock's 1977 electric V.S.O.P.: The Quintet album to come. In addition, trumpeter Joe Newman, saxophonist Joe Farrell, guitarist Eric Gale, and drummer Bernard Purdie make guest appearances on two tracks. Richard S. Ginell  

Tracklist :

1 Wiggle-Waggle 5:51

Alto Saxophone [Uncredited], Tenor Saxophone [Uncredited] – Joe Farrell

Baritone Saxophone [Uncredited] – Arthur Clarke

Drums [Uncredited] – Bernard Purdie

Electric Bass [Uncredited] – Jerry Jemmott

French Horn [Uncredited] – Ray Alonge

Guitar [Uncredited] – Billy Butler, Eric Gale

Percussion [Uncredited] – George Devens

Trombone [Uncredited] – Benny Powell

Trumpet [Uncredited] – Ernie Royal, Joe Newman

2 Fat Mama 3:49

3 Tell Me A Bedtime Story 5:03

4 Oh! Oh! Here He Comes 4:08

5 Jessica 4:12

6 Fat Albert Rotunda 6:28

7 Lil' Brother 4:25

Alto Saxophone [Uncredited], Tenor Saxophone [Uncredited] – Joe Farrell

Baritone Saxophone [Uncredited] – Arthur Clarke

Drums [Uncredited] – Bernard Purdie

Electric Bass [Uncredited] – Jerry Jemmott

French Horn [Uncredited] – Ray Alonge

Guitar [Uncredited] – Billy Butler (3), Eric Gale

Percussion [Uncredited] – George Devens

Trombone [Uncredited] – Benny Powell

Trumpet [Uncredited] – Ernie Royal, Joe Newman

Credits :
Acoustic Bass, Electric Bass, Soloist – Buster Williams (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Drums, Soloist – Tootie Heath (tracks: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
Engineer – Rudy Van Gelder
Flute [Alto], Tenor Saxophone, Soloist – Joe Henderson
Piano, Electric Piano, Producer, Written-By, Arranged By, Conductor, Soloist – Herbie Hancock
Trombone, Soloist – Garnet Brown
Trumpet, Flugelhorn [Fluegel Horn], Soloist – Johnny Coles

THE HORACE SILVER QUINTET — Song for My Father (1964-2004) RM | Serie Blue Note 決定盤1500 – 51 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

One of Blue Note's greatest mainstream hard bop dates, Song for My Father is Horace Silver's signature LP and the peak of a discography already studded with classics. Silver was always a master at balancing jumping rhythms with complex harmonies for a unique blend of earthiness and sophistication, and Song for My Father has perhaps the most sophisticated air of all his albums. Part of the reason is the faintly exotic tint that comes from Silver's flowering fascination with rhythms and modes from overseas -- the bossa nova beat of the classic "Song for My Father," for example, or the Eastern-flavored theme of "Calcutta Cutie," or the tropical-sounding rhythms of "Que Pasa?" Subtle touches like these alter Silver's core sound just enough to bring out its hidden class, which is why the album has become such a favorite source of upscale ambience. Song for My Father was actually far less focused in its origins than the typical Silver project; it dates from the period when Silver was disbanding his classic quintet and assembling a new group, and it features performances from both bands. Still, it hangs together remarkably well, and Silver's writing is at its tightest and catchiest. The title cut became Silver's best-known composition, partly because it provided the musical basis for jazz-rock group Steely Dan's biggest pop hit "Rikki Don't Lose That Number." Another hard bop standard is introduced here in the lone non-Silver tune, tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson's "The Kicker," covered often for the challenge of its stuttering phrases and intricate rhythms. Yet somehow it comes off as warm and inviting as the rest of the album, which is necessary for all jazz collections -- mainstream hard bop rarely comes as good as Song for My Father. Steve Huey              
Tracklist:
1 Song for My Father 7:18      
Horace Silver
2 The Natives Are Restless Tonight 6:10 
Horace Silver
3 Calcutta Cutie 8:31
Horace Silver
4 Que Pasa? 7:47
Horace Silver
5 The Kicker 5:26
Joe Henderson
6 Lonely Woman 7:02
Horace Silver
Credits:
Piano – Horace Silver
Bass – Gene Taylor (tracks: 3, 6), Teddy Smith (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Drums – Roger Humphries (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5), Roy Brooks (tracks: 3, 6)
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell (tracks: 3, 6), Carmell Jones (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5)
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson (tracks: 1, 2, 4, 5), Junior Cook (tracks: 3, 6)
Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder

JOE ZAWINUL — The Rise & Fall Of The Third Stream + Money In The Pocket (1994) RM | Serie Atlantic Jazz Gallery | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Two of keyboardist Joe Zawinul's finest recordings as a leader were reissued on this single CD. The Money in the Pocket album from 1965 features Zawinul on acoustic piano in a sextet with trumpeter Blue Mitchell, tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, and baritone saxophonist Pepper Adams playing superior hard bop, highlighted by the funky title cut, "If," and "My One and Only Love." The other session utilizes a string quartet, trumpeter Jimmy Owens, and the tenor and arrangements of William Fischer. Its diverse music hints at fusion (Zawinul doubles on electric piano) and has many colorful moments. This gem of a CD is highly recommended. Scott Yanow   Tracklist & Credits :

JOE ZAWINUL — Concerto Retitled (1976-2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

As Joe Zawinul's electric band Weather Report gathered momentum in the '70s, Atlantic put together a single-LP anthology of Zawinul's earlier two albums for Atlantic and one for Vortex. The irony, of course, is that the Zawinul of most of these tracks basically did not exist as of 1976, nor has this compulsively forward-looking musician returned to his acoustic jazz roots since. Fully half of the tracks - the Tatumesque solo number, "My One and Only Love," the straight-ahead "Riverbed," and trio numbers "Del Sasser" and "Sharon's Waltz" (with Cannonball Adderley's rhythm section, Sam Jones and Louis Hayes) come from the Money in the Pocket album. "From Vienna with Love" and "Concerto Retitled" (both from The Rise and Fall of the Third Stream) are backed by William Fischer's brooding neo-classical arrangements for cello and three violas. From these relatively conventional pursuits, it is a jolt to hear two hauntingly spiritual tracks - the electronically slowed-down "His Most Journey" and "In a Silent Way - " from the Zawinul album, the prelude to Weather Report. Though all of this stuff is out on CD in complete form, this is still useful as a quick trip through Zawinul's extraordinary changes over a short span of time. Richard S. Ginell    Tracklist & Credits :  

ANDREW HILL — Black Fire (1964) Two Version | 1994, The BN Works 4100 Series + 2004, RM | BONUS TRACK | RVG Edition | FLAC (image+tracks.cue), lossless

Black Fire, Andrew Hill's debut record for Blue Note, was an impressive statement of purpose that retains much of its power decades after its initial release. Hill's music is quite original, building from a hard bop foundation and moving into uncharted harmonic and rhythmic territory. His compositions and technique take chances; he often sounds restless, searching relentlessly for provocative voicings, rhythms, and phrases. Black Fire borrows from the avant-garde, but it's not part of it -- the structures remain quite similar to bop, and there are distinct melodies. Nevertheless, Hill and his band -- comprised of tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Roy Haynes -- are not content with the limitations of hard bop. Much of the music is informed by implied Afro-Cuban rhythms and modal harmonics, resulting in continually challenging and very rewarding music. Hill's complex chording is thoroughly impressive, and Henderson's bold solos are more adventurous than his previous bop outings would have suggested. Their expertise, along with the nimble, unpredictable rhythm section, help make Black Fire a modern jazz classic. Stephen Thomas Erlewine
Tracklist :
1 Pumpkin 5:24
Andrew Hill  
2 Subterfuge 8:04
Andrew Hill  
3 Black Fire 6:56
Andrew Hill  
4 Cantarnos 5:42
Andrew Hill  
5 Tired Trade 5:51
Andrew Hill  
6 McNeil Island 2:58
Andrew Hill  
7 Land of Nod 5:48
Andrew Hill  
– BONUS TRACKS –
8 Pumpkin 5:17
(Alternate Take)
9 Black Fire 5:47
(Alternate Take)
Credits :
Bass – Richard Davis
Drums – Roy Haynes
Piano – Andrew Hill
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

LARRY YOUNG — Unity (1966-2014) RM | Serie Blue Note The Masterworks | SHM-CD | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

On Unity, jazz organist Larry Young began to display some of the angular drive that made him a natural for the jazz-rock explosion to come barely four years later. While about as far from the groove jazz of Jimmy Smith as you could get, Young hadn't made the complete leap into freeform jazz-rock either. Here he finds himself in very distinguished company: drummer Elvin Jones, trumpeter Woody Shaw, and saxman Joe Henderson. Young was clearly taken by the explorations of saxophonists Coleman and Coltrane, as well as the tonal expressionism put in place by Sonny Rollins and the hard-edged modal music of Miles Davis and his young quintet. But the sound here is all Young: the rhythmic thrusting pulses shoved up against Henderson and Shaw as the framework for a melody that never actually emerges ("Zoltan" -- one of three Shaw tunes here), the skipping chords he uses to supplant the harmony in "Monk's Dream," and also the reiterating of front-line phrases a half step behind the beat to create an echo effect and leave a tonal trace on the soloists as they emerge into the tunes (Henderson's "If" and Shaw's "The Moontrane"). All of these are Young trademarks, displayed when he was still very young, yet enough of a wiseacre to try to drive a group of musicians as seasoned as this -- and he succeeded each and every time. As a soloist, Young is at his best on Shaw's "Beyond All Limits" and the classic nugget "Softly as in a Morning Sunrise." In his breaks, Young uses the middle register as a place of departure, staggering arpeggios against chords against harmonic inversions that swing plenty and still comes out at all angles. Unity proved that Young's debut, Into Somethin', was no fluke, and that he could play with the lions. And as an album, it holds up even better than some of the work by his sidemen here.
-> This comment is posted on Allmusic by Thom Jurek, follower of our blog 'O Púbis da Rosa' <-
Tracklist :
1 Zoltan 7:36
Woody Shaw
2 Monk's Dream 5:45
Thelonious Monk
3 If 6:42
Joe Henderson
4 The Moontrane 7:18
Woody Shaw
5 Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise 6:20
Oscar Hammerstein II / Sigmund Romberg
6 Beyond All Limits 6:00
Woody Shaw
Credits :
Drums – Elvin Jones
Organ – Larry Young
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet – Woody Shaw

LEE KONITZ - The Lee Konitz Duets (1967-1986) RM | Series : Jazz CD On Gold Disc And... – 7 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

This LP comprises one of altoist Lee Konitz's greatest sessions. In 1967 he recorded a series of very diverse duets, all of which succeed on their own terms. Konitz is matched with valve trombonist Marshall Brown on a delightful version of "Struttin' with Some Barbecue" and matches wits with the tenor of Joe Henderson on "You Don't Know What Love Is." He plays "Checkerboard" with pianist Dick Katz, "Erb" with guitarist Jim Hall, "Tickle Toe" with the tenor of Richie Kamuca (Konitz switches to tenor on that cut), and an adventurous and fairly free "Duplexity" with violinist Ray Nance. Konitz also has three different duets in five versions of "Alone Together" and, on "Alphanumeric," welcomes practically everyone back for a final blowout. The music ranges from Dixieland to bop and free, and is consistently fascinating. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  
1 –Lee Konitz With Marshall Brown
_ Struttin' With Some Barbecue 3:02
Written-By – Lil Armstrong
2 –Lee Konitz With Joe Henderson
 _ You Don't Know What Love Is 3:27
Written-By – Raye, DePaul
Variations On Alone Together 14:59
3a –Lee Konitz
Variations On Alone Together I 1:03
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3b –Lee Konitz With Elvin Jones
 _ Variations On Alone Together II 3:14
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3c –Lee Konitz With Karl Berger
_ Variations On Alone Together III 2:23
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3d –Lee Konitz With Eddie Gomez 3:28
_Variations On Alone Together IV
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
3e –Lee Konitz With Elvin Jones, Karl Berger & Eddie Gomez
_Variations On Alone Together V 4:40
Written-By – Dietz-Schwartz
4 –Lee Konitz With Dick Katz Checkerboard 5:44
Written-By – Dick Katz
5 –Lee Konitz With Jim Hall Erb 3:05
Written-By – Jim Hall
6 –Lee Konitz With Richie Kamuca Tickle Toe 2:53
Written-By – Lester Young
7 –Lee Konitz With Ray Nance Duplexity 6:16
Written-By – Konitz, Nance
8 –Lee Konitz Alphanumeric 5:17
Written-By – Marshall Brown
Credits :    
Alto Saxophone – Lee Konitz (tracks: 1, 2, 3.1, 3.3, 3.5, 4, 5, 8)
Baritone Saxophone – Lee Konitz (tracks: 1)
Bass – Eddie Gomez (tracks: 3.4, 3.5, 8)
Drums – Elvin Jones (tracks: 3.2, 3.5, 8)
Euphonium – Marshall Brown (tracks: 1)
Guitar – Jim Hall (tracks: 5, 8)
Piano – Dick Katz (tracks: 4, 8)
Producer – Dick Katz
Remastered By – Phil De Lancie
Supervised By – Orrin Keepnews
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson (tracks: 2, 8), Lee Konitz (tracks: 3.2, 3.4, 6, 7), Richie Kamuca (tracks: 6, 8)
Valve Trombone – Marshall Brown (tracks: 1, 8)
Vibraphone – Karl Berger (tracks: 3.3, 3.5, 8)
Violin – Ray Nance (tracks: 7)

ART FARMER WITH JOE HENDERSON - Yama (1979-2017) RM | CTI 50th Anniversary | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Flugelhornist Art Farmer's fourth and final LP for CTI also features tenor-saxophonist Joe Henderson. The material (which includes originals by Clare Fischer, Joe Zawinul, Don Grolnick and Mike Mainieri) is not the most memorable and the funky rhythm section (which is greatly expanded) does not really blend all that well with the styles of Farmer and Henderson so this set is not as exciting as one might hope. A decent but largely forgettable effort. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Dulzura 4'10
Joe Henderson
2    Stop (Think Again) 6'48
Composed By – Barry, Robin & Maurice Gibb
3     Young and Fine 6'44
Joe Zawinul
4     Lotus Blossom 8'23
Don Grolnick
5     Blue Montreux 6'58
Mike Mainieri
Credits :
Arranged By, Producer [Associate], Synthesizer, Vibraphone – Mike Mainieri
Bass – Eddie Gomez
Drums – Steve Gadd
Electric Bass – Will Lee
Flugelhorn – Art Farmer
Guitar – David Spinozza, John Tropea
Keyboards – Don Grolnick, Fred Hersch, Warren Bernhardt
Mastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Percussion – Sammy Figueroa
Producer – Creed Taylor
Synthesizer [Programming] – Suzanne Ciani
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson

WYNTON MARSALIS - Thick in the South : Soul Gestures in Southern Bles, Vol.1 (1988) FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Wynton Marsalis' three-part Soul Gestures in Southern Blue (of which this CD is the final section) is a disappointment. None of the themes are particularly memorable and, although the individual solos are fine, not much really happens; overall it is a rather weird tribute to the blues. Actually, the main significance to this particular set is that the trumpeter had for the first time put together the nucleus to his septet. Although there was no trombonist yet, altoist Wessell Anderson, tenor saxophonist Todd Williams, bassist Reginald Veal, and drummer Herlin Riley were already in place while pianist Marcus Roberts was still a part of Marsalis' group. But musically this trilogy can be bypassed; get his more. Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Harriet Tubman
Wynton Marsalis
2     Elveen 12'13
Wynton Marsalis
3     Thick in the South 10'15
Wynton Marsalis
4     So This Is Jazz, Huh? 12'26
Wynton Marsalis
5     L.C. on the Cut 13'28
Wynton Marsalis
Credits :
Bass – Bob Hurst
Drums – Elvin Jones (pistas: 2, 5), Jeff Watts
Piano – Marcus Roberts
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet – Wynton Marsalis

RON CARTER - Parade (1979-2000) RM / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

Bassist Carter heads a sterling mid-sized band with three trumpeters and saxophonists and two trombones. He handles the job of being both the primary and secondary rhythm support, while guests Joe Henderson, Jon Faddis, and Frank Wess, among others, provide some standout solos. The ensemble interaction clicks as well. by Ron Wynn
Tracklist :
1     Parade 9:01
Ron Carter
2     A Theme in 3/4 5:54
Ron Carter
3     Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child 2:46
Traditional
4     Tinderbox 5:07
Ron Carter
5     Gypsy 8:41
Ron Carter
6     G.J.T. 4:48
Ron Carter
Credits :
Arranged By [Horns], Conductor [Horns] – Wade Marcus
Bass Trombone – Tom Malone
Bass, Bass [Piccolo], Producer, Written-By – Ron Carter
Drums – Tony Williams
Flute, Clarinet, Alto Saxophone – Jerry Dodgion
Flute, Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Frank Wess
Piano – Chick Corea
Recorded By, Mixed By – Rudy Van Gelder
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trombone – Urbie Green
Trumpet, Flugelhorn – Joe Shepley, John Frosk, Jon Faddis

JOE HENDERSON — Page One (1963-1999) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The title Page One is fitting for this disc, as it marks the beginning of the first chapter in the long career of tenor man Joe Henderson. And what a beginning it is; no less than Kenny Dorham, McCoy Tyner, Butch Warren, and Pete La Roca join the saxophonist for a stunning set that includes "Blue Bossa" and "Recorda Me," two works that would be forever associated with Henderson. Both are bossa novas that offer a hip alternative to the easy listening Brazilian trend that would become popular with the masses. Henderson and Dorham make an ideal pair on these and other choice cuts like the blistering "Homestretch" and the engaging swinger "Jinrikisha." These both show the already mature compositional prowess that would become Henderson's trademark throughout his legendary career. The final blues number, "Out of the Night," features powerful work by the leader that only hints of things to come in subsequent chapters. Rovi Staff
Tracklist :
1 Blue Bossa 7:55
Composed By – Kenny Dorham
2 La Mesha 9:05
Composed By – Kenny Dorham
3 Homestretch 4:10
Composed By – Joe Henderson
4 Recorda Me 5:56
Composed By – Joe Henderson
5 Jinrikisha 7:20
Composed By – Joe Henderson
6 Out Of The Night 7:20
Composed By – Joe Henderson
Credits :
Bass – Butch Warren
Drums – Pete La Roca
Piano – McCoy Tyner
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet, Liner Notes [Original] – Kenny Dorham

JOE HENDERSON — Our Thing (1963- 2000) RM | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Henderson's second recording as a leader features a very strong supporting cast: trumpeter Kenny Dorham (one of Henderson's earliest supporters), pianist Andrew Hill, bassist Eddie Khan, and drummer Pete La Roca. Together they perform three Dorham and two Henderson originals, advanced music that was open to the influence of the avant-garde while remaining in the hard bop idiom. The up-tempo blues "Teeter Totter" contrasts with the four minor-toned pieces and, even if none of these songs became standards, the playing is consistently brilliant and unpredictable. Even at this relatively early stage, Joe Henderson showed his potential as a great tenorman. Scott Yanow
Tracklist  :
1 Teeter Totter   8:33
Written-By – Joe Henderson
2 Pedro's Time 10:05
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
3 Our Thing 5:36
Written-By – Joe Henderson
4 Back Road 6:20
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
5 Escapade 8:05
Written-By – Kenny Dorham
6 Teeter Totter (Alternative Take) 7:10
Written-By – Joe Henderson
Credits :
Bass – Eddie Khan
Drums – Pete La Roca
Piano – Andrew Hill
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trumpet – Kenny Dorham

JOE HENDERSON - In 'N Out (1964-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Joe Henderson's third Blue Note release matches the very distinctive tenor with the veteran trumpeter Kenny Dorham and an unbeatable rhythm section: pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Elvin Jones. Henderson always had the ability to make a routine bop piece sound complex and the most complicated free improvisation seem logical. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1. In 'N Out 10:25
Joe Henderson
2. Punjab 9:09
Joe Henderson
3. Serenity 8:17
Joe Henderson
4. Short Story 7:11
Kenny Dorham
5. Brown's Town
Kenny Dorham
6. In 'N' Out 9:16
Joe Henderson
Credits :
Joe Henderson (Tenor Saxophone)
Kenny Dorham (Trumpet)
McCoy Tyner (Piano)
Richard Davis (Ddouble Bass)
Elvin Jones (Drums) 

JOE HENDERSON - Mode for Joe (1966-2003) RVG Edition / FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Given the recording date of Mode for Joe and the band lineup, it's easy to assume this is a straight-up hard bop album. However, this 1966 Joe Henderson record -- featuring trumpeter Lee Morgan, trombonist Curtis Fuller, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, pianist Cedar Walton, bassist Ron Carter, and drummer Joe Chambers -- is a great example of modern jazz at its best. It was recorded during a time of sweeping musical changes due to developments in free jazz, soul-jazz, and even early experiments with fusion. It was a time when the bluesy and funky leanings of hard boppers were giving way to more individualized contemporary approaches. One of the best examples of this shift, Mode for Joe sounds more like the experimental work of Branford Marsalis than the groovy musings of Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers. The last track here, "Free Wheelin'," is the only dyed-in-the-wool hard bop tune heard here. Other than that, this outing's mostly uptempo songs serve as vehicles for solos. Henderson himself proves that the template for players such as Marsalis, Joe Lovano, and Joshua Redman was invented a generation earlier, as evidenced on "A Shade of Jade," "Black," and others, making this one of the sax legend's most intriguing albums.  by Eric Starr  
Tracklist :
1 A Shade Of Jade 7:07
Written-By – Joe Henderson
2 Mode For Joe 8:02
Written-By – Cedar Walton 
3 Black 6:51
Written-By – Cedar Walton
4 Black (Alternate Take) 6:47
Written-By – Cedar Walton
5 Caribbean Fire Dance 6:41
Written-By – Joe Henderson
6 Granted 7:20
Written-By – Joe Henderson
7 Free Wheelin' 6:39
Written-By – Lee Morgan
Credits :
Bass – Ron Carter
Design – Reid Miles
Drums – Joe Chambers
 Piano – Cedar Walton
 Tenor Saxophone – Joe Henderson
Trombone – Curtis Fuller
Trumpet – Lee Morgan
Vibraphone [Vibes] – Bobby Hutcherson