Joe Henderson - unique , an unmistakable sound and style. Not many musicians can say that. Whenever I hear an album with tenor sax, I know immediately when it's Joe Henderson. He made his mark on jazz.
His sincerity and absence of false modesty to me in this interview are words of wisdom. Gently and assertively he did put it all there . What a master he was!
To his eternal credit, Joe was much more concerned with producing quality work to worry about being "next".We with great taste and appreciation know of Joe's greatness and importance to this incredible art form.
Superduper, Humble, cool, such beauty. Everything about JH is it. Love his sound, love his vibe. Beautiful human! One of the greatest Tenor Men. IKR! 🙏🙏🙏
I saw Joe Henderson in the Jazz Cafe in the late 90's. I even managed to talk to him during the break! My saxophone teacher (who was also amazing player) told me about Joe in the early 90's. I understand his frustration for recognition, but I think people did recognise him a lot earlier than he may think. Maybe that was in the UK. Anyway, he has always been my number one player, always will.
He was only underrated and underappreciated by those who didn't live this art. His musical conversation spoke immediately to those of us who understand the art of listening....
Joe Henderson sounded original and fresh from day one. His compositions are complex and logical, his solos follow a unique logic. It’s a shame such a genius is so bitter about the industry
Joe was such a beautiful cat! His beautiful heart just shines thru this interview! Definitely "deserving of wider appreciation"! This is a treat! Thanks so much for posting!
"My main area is in the studio, I think this is where I thrive. I like the band stand I like the stage as well, but there's something about the studio that has a magic about it that ah, I seem to come alive there." This was a revelation, I particularly enjoy recordings of Joe on gigs. He's unrestrained and explores ideas further. Joe of course had a great tone and amazing ideas, but he did not posses a loud and powerful acoustic sound on stage. He had a quality sound and he always had the content, in this sense I could perhaps see what he means by "I seem to come alive there" his full power could be realized there.
Joe's comments about how things get predictable beyond a first take reminds me of how Dylan makes music. Just walk in to the studio and start playing. If you think too much it won't feel organic.
Hi Christine, I'm not the best person to ask as I only have a Blue Note greatest hits CD of his. But he played on lots of other people's great tunes such as Horace Silver's 'Song for my Father' and Lee Morgan's 'Sidewinder'. I hope someone more informed will give you a better answer!
The one discussed here is a huge favourite of mine...'So Near, So Far'. Everyone on top form, Scofield, Holland, Al Foster. Lot's of Miles best tunes, wicked solos...
I'm partial to his early Blue Note albums but one I particularly like is "Mirror, Mirror" which he recorded in 1980 with Chick Corea, Ron Carter and Billy Higgins.