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Joe Henderson: Power to the People
ByPower to the People features a titanic rhythm section of Herbie Hancock (acoustic and electric piano), Ron Carter (acoustic and electric bass) and Jack DeJohnette (drums), with a guest appearance by Mike Lawrence (trumpet) on several tracks. Henderson, clearly inspired by the potent playing of his bandmates, is in top form, spinning out long every-note-counts lines, varying his phrases from compact melodic cells to broad sweeping gestures that range up and down the horn; his tone, sometimes mellow and smoky, other times hoarse and gruff, perfectly complements his imaginative improvisations.
Highlights include the debut of Henderson's gorgeous ballad "Black Narcissus," some five years before its inclusion on that titular album; a new version of "Isotope," a quirky blues with an oddly catchy melody that originally appeared on 1964's Inner Urge and was one of Henderson's most beloved tunes; the samba-esque title track, with great solos by Henderson, Lawrence and Hancock; a medium-swing take on the standard "Lazy Afternoon," with a premium tenor spot and tastefully restrained piano accompaniment and the astounding closer, "Foresight and Afterthought," a trio number divided into three themeless sections that finds Henderson flyingno, soaringby the seat of his pants, playing in the cracks of mainstream thematic development and pure-sound ecstatica. Given the strength of a mid-career release such as this, it's surprising that Henderson's extraordinary talent wasn't heralded sooner.
Track Listing
Black Narcissus; Afro-Centric; Opus One-Point-Five; Isotope; Power to the People; Lazy Afternoon; Foresight and Afterthought (an impromptu suite).
Personnel
Joe Henderson
saxophoneJoe Henderson: tenor saxophone; Mike Lawrence: trumpet; Herbie Hancock: piano, electric piano; Ron Carter: bass, electric bass; Jack DeJohnette: drums.
Album information
Title: Power to the People | Year Released: 2008 | Record Label: Milestone