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In ‘n Out ~ Joe Henderson | By Eddie Carter

This morning’s choice from the library is a 1964 album by tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson. I’ve been a fan of his for years and first heard him live at The 1992 Atlanta Jazz Festival. His performance that night was brilliant and a stellar highlight that blew everyone away in attendance. In ‘n Out (Blue Note BLP 4166/BST 84166) is his third release and finds him leading a first-class quintet, Kenny Dorham on trumpet, McCoy Tyner on piano, Richard Davis on bass, and Elvin Jones on drums. My copy used in this report is the 1983 Pathé Marconi-EMI French Stereo reissue sharing the original catalog number.

Side One gets underway with the first of three tunes from Henderson’s pen, In ‘n Out swings from the start of the quintet’s brisk melody. Joe takes off first with a ferocious opening statement. McCoy makes his mark in rapid succession on the second solo. Kenny is up next with a vigorous performance, then Joe returns for a few more aggressive notes ahead of the ensemble’s ending theme. Henderson’s Punjab slows the pace to medium tempo for the ensemble’s bluesy opening chorus. Joe begins the first solo at a comfortable and friendly pace, then Kenny follows with a leisurely stroll on the second reading. McCoy steps in next with an easy-flowing interpretation. Joe adds a delightfully laid-back finale into the quintet’s carefree summation.

Joe’s Serenity opens Side Two at mid-tempo with the ensemble sustaining a mellow timbre on the opening chorus. Kenny takes the first spot and gives a relaxing interpretation. Joe continues grooving on a spirited reading that’s an ear-pleaser. McCoy draws us into the next solo with pure pleasure on the keys, and Richard makes an articulate statement on the closer before the group’s reprise and climax. Dorham tells a Short Story on the first of two originals by the trumpeter. The rhythm section sets the basis for swinging on the introduction segueing into the ensemble’s collective melody. Dorham, Henderson, and Tyner make the first three solos come alive with plenty of positive energy, and Elvin has an amazing exchange with the front line preceding the closing chorus.

The quintet closes with a trip to Brown’s Town. Henderson is heard on the opening and closing melody only, Dorham, Tyner, and Davis are the featured soloists. Kenny paints an enchanting portrait on the opening statement, then McCoy possesses a great amount of warmth and joy on the second solo. Richard sparkles on the finale with some strong walking into the ensemble’s tender climax. Joe Henderson released four other albums for Blue Note during the decade, Page One (1963), Our Thing (1964), Inner Urge, and Mode For Joe (1966). He also appeared as a sideman on many of the landmark LPs for the label. His career lasted over forty years recording for CTI Records, Elektra Musician, Fantasy, Milestone, Red Records, and Verve Records.

He was a consummate composer and one of the most respected musicians in jazz, performing in concerts and festivals around the world. I was lucky enough to see him live twice, the second time was a 1994 performance at Spivey Hall. After a long battle with emphysema, Joe passed away from heart failure at age sixty-four on June 30, 2001. In ‘n Out was produced by Alfred Lion and Pathé Marconi-EMI did a superb job remastering the original tapes of Rudy Van Gelder. The vinyl is quiet with an impressive soundstage placing the musicians in your listening room. Kenny, McCoy, and Richard are heard on the left, and Joe and Elvin are heard on the right. If you enjoy the tenor sax, I invite you to treat yourself to In ‘n Out by Joe Henderson. It’s a wonderful album that gets better with repeated listening!

~ Page One (Blue Note BLP 4140/BST 84140); Our Thing (Blue Note BLP 4152/BST 84152); Inner Urge (Blue Note BLP 4189/BST 84189), and Mode For Joe (Blue Note BLP 4227/BST 84227) – Source: Discogs.com © 2022 by Edward Thomas Carter

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