A long requested re-issue from Joe Henderson, sees the light of day…
Joe Henderson – Power to the People – Milestone/Craft Recordings #CR 00655 – 180 gm vinyl remaster – 42:40 – 1969 – ****1/2
(Joe Henderson – tenor sax; Herbie Hancock – acoustic and electric piano; Ron Carter – acoustic and electric bass; Jack DeJohnette – drums; Mike Lawrence – trumpet on “Power to the People,” and “Afro-Centric”)
There has been a demand for many years for the re-release (especially in remastered vinyl) of Joe Henderson’s lauded 1969 release, Power to the People. The album had been part of a boxed Milestone Records set, but a vinyl version had not been considered.
But now, Craft Recordings, through their Jazz Dispensary Top Shelf Series, has given this classic album the requisite audiophile treatment. Lacquers from the original master tapes were used by engineer, Kevin Gray, and it has been pressed on 180 gm audiophile vinyl by RTI.
Henderson recorded this album in 1969, during turbulent civil right times. It was also a time when jazz recordings were going electronic (and modal), led by Miles Davis. Power to the People stood out due to Joe Henderson’s talent for merging music of the day, having a keen sense and talents for mastery of many jazz musical genres. On this seminal album, Joe used both acoustic and electric pianos and bass. Having iconic musicians like Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, and Jack DeJohnette aboard made the task much easier. Joe brought hard bop, modal influences, and avant garde leanings together here with seven tracks that stand up today, still fresh and vibrant.
“Black Narcissus” simmers and builds up to peaks, much like Miles Davis brought in a similar time period, with his In A Silent Way release. “Afro-Centric,” and the title track both bring trumpeter, Mike Lawrence aboard, and his presence brings heft and power to these tracks.
“Opus One-Point-Five” is a beautiful modal ballad, while “Lazy Afternoon,” fits in nicely as a straight ahead contrast. Fans with avant garde leanings will like “Foresight and Afterthought.” All thru the tracks Herbie Hancock, and Ron Carter, whether on acoustic or electric piano and bass, respectively, keep the pot on a strong boil, adding to the rich stew.
This release will gladden the hearts of those audiophiles kept waiting for years to experience one of Joe Henderson’s most well known treasures, now in freshly remastered splendor.
—Jeff Krow
Joe Henderson – Power to the People
Tracklist:
Side 1:
Black Narcissus,
Afro-Centric,
Opus One-Point-Five,
Isotope
Side 2:
Power to the People,
Lazy Afternoon,
Foresight and Afterthought
More information through Craft Recordings
