Thank You, Joe! (HENDERSON)
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. TrumpetersRandy Breckerand 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 toBilly Strayhorn's "Isfahan."Javon Jacksonwas 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 associateJoanne Brackeenappears 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