Joe Henderson - So Near, So Far (Musings for Miles) (1993)

Joe Henderson - Tenor Sax
John Scofield - Guitar
Dave Holland - Bass
Al Foster - Drums

1. Miles Ahead
2. Joshua
3. Pfrancing (No Blues)
4. Flamenco Sketches
5. Milestones
6. Teo
7. Swing Spring
8. Circle
9. Side Car
10. So Near, So Far

""Miles Ahead" won the 1994 Grammy Award for "Jazz Instrumental Solo." "So Near, So Far" won the 1994 Grammy Award for "Jazz Instrumental, Individual or Group." Although he only played with Miles Davis a handful of times in 1967, saxophonist Joe Henderson understood both the intricacies and the overall vision of the late trumpeter's music. Supported here by a world-class rhythm section, Henderson performs nine Davis selections plus the title track, a song popularized by Davis, but written by Tony Crombie and Benny Green. On SO NEAR, SO FAR (MUSINGS FOR MILES), Henderson combines classic Davis tunes with some of the trumpeter's little-known compositions. The jaunty "Swing Spring" and the highly rhythmic "Side Car" are good examples of some of the rarer material presented on this disc. (Other tunes such as "Miles Ahead," "Milestones," and "Flamenco Sketches" should be more familiar to listeners.) As expected, Henderson and his band navigate their way through these tunes with panache. Guitarist John Scofield's subtle, yet supportive, comping is particularly effective throughout, as is drummer Al Foster's colorful use of percussion. The highlight of the record is the ensemble's hard-swinging version of "Joshua;" the time signature shifts on the bridge are especially complex, but Henderson and company glide through them effortlessly."

Joe Henderson - Lush Life: The Music of Billy Strayhorn (1992)

Joe Henderson - Tenor Sax
Wynton Marsalis - Trumpet (2, 6, 9)
Stephen Scott - Piano (2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9)
Christian McBride - Bass (1-4, 6, 8, 9)
Gregory Hutchinson - Drums (2-4, 6, 7, 9)

1. Isfahan
2. Johnny Come Lately
3. Blood Count
4. Rain Check
5. Lotus Blossom
6. A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing
7. Take The "A" Train
8. Drawing Room Blues
9. U.M.M.G. (Upper Manhattan Medical Group)
10. Lush Life

"This is a great collection of Strayhorn tunes. From the opening notes of "Isfahan", a excellent duet with bassist Christian McBride, you can tell it is something special. Trumpeter Wynton Marsalis guests on three tracks and his solos are nothing short of inspired. The core quintet are all extremely good players. There is the crisp drumming of Gregory Hutchinson throughout, especially in the fittingly locomotive-style groove he sets in his duet with Joe on "Take the 'A' Train". Christian McBride shows his maturity on this record with thoughtful solos especially the bowed solo on "Johnny Come Lately". The piano from Stephen Scott is at times swinging and tight like for the "Drawing Room Blues" and at others more experimental especially in "A Flower Is A Lovesome Thing". Of course, the standout throughout is Joe Henderson. His remarkably clear tone has plenty of warmth as well as intensity."

Joe Henderson - Big Band (1996)

Collective Personnel:

Arranger, Tenor Sax: Joe Henderson
Collective Saxes: Bob Porcelli, Pete Yellin, Dick Oatts, Steve Willson (altos), Rich Perry, Craig Handy, Tim Ries, Charlie Pillow (tenors), Gary Smulyan, Joe Temperley (baris)
Collective Trumpets: Lew Soloff, Jon Faddis, Byron Stripling, Tony Kadleck, Marcus Belgrave, Virgil Jones, Idrees Sulieman, Jimmy Owens, Michael Phillip Mossman, Ray Vega, Earl Gardner
Collective Trombones: Robin Eubanks, Kiane Zawadi, Jimmy Knepper, Douglass Purviance, Conrad HErwig, Keith O'Quinn, Larry Farrell, Dave Taylor
Collective Rhythm: Ronnie Mathews, Chick Corea, Helio Alvevs (piano), Christian McBride, Milson Matta (bass), Joe Chambers, Lewis Nash, Al Foster, Paulo Braga (drums)

1. Without A Song
2. Isotope
3. Inner Urge
4. Black Narcissus
5. A Shade Of Jade
6. Step Lightly
7. Serenity
8. Chelsea Bridge
9. Recordame (Recuerdame)