Joe Henderson: Mirror, Mirror

"Joe Henderson embodies the essence of jazz. In his playing he combines all the stylistic devices that were decisive for his generation: The virtuosity of hard bop as well as the avant-garde, he can go down harmonically abstract paths and yet remain true to his roots. He is my inspiration." These words about the tenor saxophonist come from none other than the great guitarist John Scofield. Henderson, who died in 2001, was undoubtedly one of the most important jazz musicians of the last third of the 20th century. He became famous overnight as a member of the Horace Silver Band on the release of Song For My Father (1964): His solo for Silver's hit went down in history as a prime example of brilliant jazz improvisation. Another highlight in the life of this rather reserved musician was the award of a Grammy for his 1991 album Lush Life. Joe Henderson drew influences for his playing from John Coltrane, among others - a connection that can be clearly heard on this recording in his ecstatic, penetrating solo of the modal composition Joe's Bolero. In the standard What's New, on the other hand, the saxophonist brings out his gentle, melodic side, a facet of his expressive spectrum that has always been appreciated beyond the jazz audience. With Chick Corea on piano, Ron Carter on bass and drummer Billy Higgins, Henderson has assembled a true all-star band here. Mirror, Mirror is not based on the concept of a soloist versus three sidemen; instead, each of the players is given space and all meet at eye level.