Be Cool

In his long, distinguished career, Eddie Henderson has played in a lot of different settings, both as a leader and sideman. This set seems as if it is trying to touch base with almost every phase of Henderson's career and the resulting CD is not as cohesive as his previous offering ("Collective Portrait") which was focused on one specific period. There are some excellent tracks here. Henderson pays tribute to Miles Davis, with whom he was personally acquainted in his youth, with a fantastic version of the rarely covered "Fran Dance". Henderson is probably one of a very few artists who could pull this off. The cover of "Naima" is equally brilliant and there is also a very good version of Woody Shaw's (who was apparently a close friend of Henderson) "The Moontrane". But the juxtaposition of very slow (but very good) versions of "After You've Gone" and "Easy Living" with a few generic "funky" numbers is awkward. There is plenty of great music here but the diverse nature of the program requires very flexible ears. Alto saxophonist Donald Harrison is Henderson's front line partner and he is in very good form. Particularly on the covers, he comes up with very original and creative solos. The other main soloist is pianist Kenny Barron, who is his usual great self.

went to hear/see this band at SMOKE/NYC, 11/24/19. Listened to CD before I made reservations.THEN WENT TO HEAR THEM, GOOD MUSIC, NUFF SAID.

Great seasoned musicians, great tunes, straight ahead. Can't go wrong.

Up tempo numbers were good but the ballads were not so good.

Let's give the drummer some: West Coast veteran funk master Mike Clark (established solidly for many years now as an A-list New York jazz player) provides the rhythmic glue that holds this beautiful album together. And this group is an all-veteran band: a Who's Who list of some really great jazz cats. On this fine album, Clark's superb drumming (as well as leader Henderson's choice of songs) informs and reminds the listener that jazz isn't just one plain-old style of music. It's a grab-bag of numerous rhythms (all built upon dance crazes of various past eras) that adds a lot of life to this sonic party. In fact, despite its sophistication, I would even call this a good party record--in the most complimentary way--because it creates a good feeling in the room, the way good party music should.So, whether you're enjoying a party for one and listening introspectively on your own, or looking for music that adds sparkle to a group gathering or a special celebration, this new one from Eddie Henderson will lift the spirit of anyone coming near it and getting a taste.

This album is so cool! "Smoke screen", "Be Cool" and "The Moontrane" are my best 3.

The first track had me thinking this was going to be a tasty, foot-tapping, straight-ahead funk fest. Unfortunately, it's not. The band members are all seasoned professionals, but the songs left me cold. Apart from the first track, there was nothing that made we want to hit the repeat button. If you buy digital tracks, grab "Smoke Screen" and leave the rest.