Mirror Mirror

Description

Joe Henderson is the essence of jazz. He embodies all the elements that came together in his generation: the virtuosity of hard bop and the avant-garde. He can be harmonically abstract and yet keep to the roots. He is my inspiration. So spoke guitar great John Scofield about the tenor saxophonist. Henderson, who died in 2001, was one of the most important jazz musicians of the last third of the twentieth century. He became an overnight sensation as a member of Horace Silvers band on the release of Silvers Song for My Father. Hendersons solo on Silvers hit composition is held up as a prime example of brilliant jazz improvisation. Another highpoint in this rather reserved musicians life was the Grammy Henderson received in1991 for his album Lush Life. Hendersons playing style was influenced by, among others, John Coltrane. The connection is amply demonstrated by Hendersons ecstatic, piercing solo on his modally based composition Joes Bolero. On the standard Whats New, the saxophonist shows off his mellow, melodic side, a facet of Hendersons playing that has always had an appeal beyond the jazz community. With Chick Corea on Piano, Ron Carter on Bass and Drummer Billy Higgins, Henderson has gathered a truly all-star group. This album isnt about a soloist and his sidemen: all the musicians are on an equal footing, everyone has their space to play.