Mode For Joe

VINYL FORMAT. Exact repro reissue, originally released in 1966. Tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson's first album with a group larger than a quintet: Lee Morgan (trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Bobby Hutcherson (vibes), Cedar Walton (piano), Ron Carter (bass) and Joe Chambers (drums). At a time when far too many Coltrane clones roamed the Earth, Joe Henderson shined as a personal, distinctive stylist with a brawny, instantly recognizable tone. Walton's delicate and gently swinging Mode for Joe brings out the softer, lyrical side of these Blue Note heavyweights. Henderson contributes one of his more subdued solos on record. Though less aggressive than normal, his solo is still harmonically adventurous and surprising. His melodicism is juxtaposed by sudden bursts of frantic clusters of notes. Hutcherson is in top form - once again proving he is the most expressive of all vibraphonists. A great addition to any collection.