Joe Henderson: Big Band

On this 1996 recording, improbably the first to ever feature him leading a big band, the inimitable Joe Henderson assembled nine compositions (seven of which were self-penned) and a topnotch band for a very interesting record. Volumes have been written about Henderson as a soloist but, on Big Band, even the longest-term Henderson fan gets to hear his prodigious skills as a big band arranger for the first time. Influenced by Bill Holman and Bill Russo as much as by classical composers Igor Stravinsky and Bela Bartok, his charts are cool and sophisticated. Of course, Henderson's cause is helped by the absolutely unquestioned majesty of the core material, as well as a fine batch of co-soloists, including Chick Corea, Christian McBride, and Freddie Hubbard. The Slide Hampton-arranged "Isotope" is one of the finest moments on the record, with an almost amusingly dramatic introduction that evokes a film noir score before it accelerates into the famous theme. Corea's solo is absolutely masterful, a headlong rush into nothingness that somehow manages to land on its feet. When laid side by side, his solos often outstrip the leader's in their inventiveness and capability to draw the listener into the song. This is not, however, to downplay the contributions of the leader as a soloist; Henderson's tenor is as lovely as ever. Fantastic solos notwithstanding, it is the wonderful arrangements of these deservedly classic songs that make this album so valuable. Listen to the Robin Eubanks-led trombone section in "A Shade of Jade" for a quick taste of what it sounds like when everything about a big band comes together just so. There is not a lot to dislike about Joe Henderson's first recorded foray into big-band arranging. Recommended. ~ Daniel Gioffre, All Music Guide

Tracklist:

1. Without A Song
2. Isotope
3. Inner Urge
4. Black Narcissus
5. A Shade Of Jade
6. Step Lightly
7. Serenity
8. Chelsea Bridge
9. Recordame (Recuerdame)

Joe Henderson Tenor Saxophone
Chick Corea Piano
Christian McBride Bass
Jon Faddis Trumpet
Freddie Hubbard Trumpet
Nicholas Payton Trumpet
Lew Soloff Trumpet
Joe Chambers Drums
Al Foster Drums
Lewis Nash Drums
Slide Hampton Arranger
Dave Taylor Bass trombone
Jimmy Knepper Trombone
Idrees Sulieman Trumpet
Gary Smulyan Baritone Saxophone
Steve Wilson Alto Saxophone
Conrad Herwig Trombone
Craig Handy Tenor saxophone
Joe Temperley Baritone saxophone
Robin Eubanks Trombone
Dick Oatts Soprano & alto saxophones
Don Sickler Trumpet
Ray Vega Trumpet
Ronnie Mathews Piano
Tim Ries Tenor saxophone
Bob Belden Conductor
Michael Philip Mossman
Pete Yellen Alto saxophone

All songs composed and/or arranged by Joe Henderson.
Tracks 1,5, and 8 produced by Joe Henderson and Don Sickler
Tracks 2,3,4,6,7,and 9 produced by Joe Henderson and Bob Belden
Executive Producer: Richard Seidel
Recorded at Power Station, Studio C, New York, New York on March 16,
1992 and at The Hit Factory, Studio 1, New York, New York on June 24 & 26, 1996.

BIG BAND won the 1998 Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Performance.