Joe Henderson’s Tetragon, now back on audiophile vinyl…
Joe Henderson – Tetragon – Milestone/Jazz Dispensary/Craft Recordings #CR00968 – 180 gm vinyl – 1967/68 – 42:04 – ****
(Joe Henderson – tenor sax; Don Friedman or Kenny Barron – piano; Ron Carter – acoustic bass; Jack DeJohnette or Louis Hayes – drums)
As part of their Top Shelf Series, Craft Recordings, is re-issuing a long out of print, Joe Henderson album, Tetragon, recorded in 1967 and 1968. Milestone Records, the original label, used two different rhythm sections, both with top grade credentials. The pianists were either Don Friedman, or Kenny Barron; and on the drum chairs were Jack DeJohnette, or Louis Hayes. Bassist, extraordinaire, Ron Carter, appears on both sessions All the players had already hit their strides as first call sidemen, or serving as leaders themselves.
As always, Craft has gone first class with this release, using lacquers cut from the original master tapes, by Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, and pressing on 180 gm vinyl. The albums are housed in a tip-on jacket.
At the time of this recording, Joe Henderson had fully established his career, and Milestone used him as the only horn here. Henderson was known for his dark tone, aggressive, and often pushing the envelope into very “free” territory. He could also be velvety, if needed, on ballads. Tetragon has a nice combination of both, on the seven tunes, with a few standards, and two tracks each, written by Henderson or Carter.
Side 1, opens with the standard, “Invitation,” and it is taken mostly straight ahead, with Joe immediately taking center stage, and an an excellent flowing solo by Don Friedman. “R.J.” was written by Carter for one of his sons. Don handles the fast tempo with ease, while Joe’s astringent tone jumps out.
“The Bead Game” is pure avant garde blowing by Joe, with no apparent melody. Jack DeJohnette is a perfect drummer for this track. Henderson goes out on stop/start runs, wild, and seemingly using free association. Certainly, it’s not for everyone.
Side 2, has the title track, a blues, which is right up the alley for Kenny Barron. Carter has an introspective bass solo, and Joe jumps in with intensity.
“Waltz for Sweetie,” written by Walter Bishop, is a welcome respite, a lovely ballad, and once again, the underrated, Don Friedman, has lovely choruses.
The closer, Cole Porter’s “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” is taken at a brisk clip. Joe stays with the melody, but adds some “free” expression, when he sees fit.
Fans of Joe Henderson’s post bop career will find lots to like here. The remastered audiophile acoustics will enable listeners to fully appreciate his talents.
—Review by Jeff Krow
Joe Henderson – Tetragon
Tracklist:
Side 1: Invitation, R.J., The Bead Game
Side 2: Tetragon, Waltz for Sweetie, First Trip, I’ve Got You Under My Skin
