joe was tremendous. so incredibly versatile. kenny dorham took him under his wing and was instrumental (ahem) in getting joe’s (blue note) career started.

the cleverly titled “page one”, was a terrific solo debut record for henderson. please forgive me if i’m a bit over “blue bossa”. it’s a major standard and i’ve literally performed it hundreds of times. now, don’t get me wrong – i LOVE bossas, i love that song and i’d love to be playing it on a gig tonight, it ‘s just not what i would use to represent, that’s all…

joe had 5 solo records on BN from 1963-1966. the vibe increasingly develops throughout the years. artwise, in ‘n out & mode for joe, are both great, with “our thing” and “inner urge”, not being so memorable. joe was a very visible sideman on other BN titles during this period. there’s a wonderful 4cd box set out on BN, compiling his appearances as both a leader and sideguy.

when the label resurfaced in 1985, they released a *smokin’* 2cd live set from the village vanguard. rare trio appearance w/ ron carter on bass and al foster on drums. what a valiant blue note return!