The Music of Joe Henderson

On alto saxophonist Jim Snidero's second Double Time release, he pays tribute to tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson by gathering trumpeter Joe Magnarelli, trombonist Conrad Herwig, pianist David Hazeltine, bassist Dennis Irwin, and drummer Kenny Washington to play eight Henderson originals. The sextet plays on five of the eight compositions; the others are performed by Snidero and the rhythm section. Snidero, who has played in the groups of Jack McDuff, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Eddie Palmieri, displays a bright sound and an urgency in his playing, sometimes reminiscent of Cannonball Adderley. He also arranged all of the compositions on this recording. Highlights include the sextet's takes on "If" and a slower-than-usual version of "Serenity" that features Magnarelli's muted trumpet, the soulful blues "Step Lightly" and a heartfelt reading of "Black Narcissus" by Snidero and the rhythm section. This is a fine tribute to one of the great musicians of the Blue Note era.