Joe Henderson and John Scofield Duo: I Loves You Porgy

 

Happy Valentine's Day!  This is a perfect tune for the occasion.

From Bret "Jazz Video Guy" Primack.

I Loves You Porgy (Gershwin) Joe Henderson, tenor saxophone and John Scofield, guitar from the 1998 Bern Jazz Festival.

Joe Henderson (1937-2001) was one of the most significant and influential tenor saxophonists in the post-bop era. Here are some reasons why Joe Henderson was important:

1. **Unique Style**: Joe Henderson had a distinctive voice on the tenor saxophone, blending elements of hard bop, post-bop, avant-garde, and Latin jazz. His sound was at once edgy and melodic, and he had a unique approach to phrasing and rhythm.

2. **Versatility**: Over his career, Henderson showed remarkable versatility. He was comfortable in a variety of settings, from straight-ahead jazz to more experimental styles. This adaptability made him a sought-after sideman.

3. **Prolific as a Leader and Sideman**: Henderson recorded numerous albums as a leader, including classic Blue Note recordings like "Page One" and "Inner Urge." He also contributed to landmark albums as a sideman, such as Lee Morgan's "The Sidewinder" and Horace Silver's "Song for My Father."

4. **Enduring Compositions**: Joe Henderson was also a notable composer. Many of his compositions, like "Recorda Me" and "Inner Urge," have become jazz standards and are played frequently by musicians of subsequent generations.

5. **Late Career Renaissance**: After a quieter period in the 1970s and early 1980s, Henderson experienced a late-career resurgence in the 1990s. He recorded several acclaimed albums for Verve that revisited his earlier works, introduced new compositions, and covered jazz standards.

6. **Educator and Mentor**: Later in his life, Joe Henderson became involved in education, teaching at institutions like Stanford University and passing on his knowledge to the next generation of jazz musicians.

Joe Henderson's importance lies in his innovative contributions to jazz as both a saxophonist and composer. His enduring legacy is evident in the continued reverence and influence he holds over saxophonists and jazz musicians today.