Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Various: Thank You, Joe!
Various: Thank You, Joe!
ByThank goodness that Arkadia had the insight to honor Henderson. Such a tribute raises the question, however, of how many other living jazz innovators should be honored: Lucky Thompson, Ray Brown, Dave Brubeck, Jon Hendricks, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson, Horace Silver, Roy Haynes, James Moody? The list goes on and on.
The point of Thank You, Joe! , though, is the re-evaluation of Joe Henderson's compositional contributions, in addition to his signature tone and improvisational prowess that melt jazz enthusiasts.
The CD includes two musicians who have performed with Henderson: Randy Brecker and Joanne Brackeen (she performing on one number). Javon Jackson fills the cathartic and yet demanding role of the tenor saxophone voice on Thank You, Joe!. It's quite an impressive achievement to capture those Hendersonian references while altering the flavor of the tunes according to Eric Reed's arrangements.
While perhaps "Recorda Me" and "The Kicker" remain Henderson's best-known compositions, perhaps because of their accessibility, the complexity and subtlety of "Gazelle" and "Inner Urge" provide evidence of Henderson's ability to capture a mood or to enliven a tune with a slight alteration of a chord or the overlaying of one meter on another for combined effect. Brackeen, who spent almost twenty years performing off and on with Henderson, explains the magic of "Gazelle": a 7/8 rhythm complementing the 4/4 time signature.
Unfortunately, Joe Henderson hasn't been active for the past few years. But it's obvious that he influenced legions of jazz musicians and inspired multitudes of listeners. Thank-you's aren't enough. An album of exciting music, such as that on Thank You, Joe! , approaches the level of appreciation that is Joe Henderson's due.
Track Listing
Mamacita; Isfahan; Gazelle; The Kicker; Ask Me Now; Recorda Me; Isotope; Inner Urge; Granted.
Personnel
Arkadia Jazz All-Stars
band / ensemble / orchestraEric Reed
pianoRodney Whitaker
bassCarl Allen
drumsJavon Jackson
saxophoneRandy Brecker
trumpetSteve Nelson
vibraphoneJoAnne Brackeen
pianoRenato Thomas
percussionIra Coleman
bass, acousticTerrell Stafford: Trumpet Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez: Drums
Album information
Title: Thank You, Joe! – Our Tribute to Joe Henderson | Year Released: 2022 | Record Label: Arkadia Records
< Previous
Premonition
Next >
Producer Don Paul