Eddie Henderson
For All We Know
Furthermore Recordings
www.furthermorerecordings.com

Benito Gonzalez
Circles
Furthermore Recordings
www.furthermorerecordings.com
By George W. Harris

Here are a couple of releases that show their inspirations; trumpeter Eddie Henderson is a living product of the post bop/modal style, while pianist Benito Gonzalez draws from its well.

Dr. Eddie Henderson has been putting out stellar material for decades, but for some reason is always under the musical radar. This latest release finds him leading a quartet with guitarist John Scofield, bassist Doug Weiss and drummer Billy Drummond for a mix of old and new. I caught this band at Catalina’s a couple years ago, and was wondering if they were going to put something out. This is as good as the gig, with a lithe and serene “Jitterbug Waltz” and a cool yet hip “Cantaloupe Island” featuring some golden work by Henderson, and the rhythm team crisp and fresh. Scofield sounds relaxed and quite rhythmic here, producing some great lines on “Be Cool” and Henderson’s “Popo.” Spacious music that is classy and sophisticated, Henderson sounds like his mentor Miles Davis SHOULD have sounded at this stage in his career.

For his sophomore release, pianist Benito Gonzalez catches the Coltrane bug along with Myron Walden/ss-as, Ron Blake/ts, Azar Lawrence/ts, Christian McBride/b and Jeff “Tain” Watts/dr on this collection of Impulse!-inspired compositions. Tunes like “Circles” and “Journey’s End” feature some rich horn work by the sax players, creating some thick harmonies and yearning solos. Gonzalez’s own two handed work tips the hat to McCoy Tyner, not only on the icon’s driving “Blues On The Corner” but on his own “Elise” and “Faces” which display formidable passion and compassion. Exciting and energetic without getting self absorbed, this band hits the bulls eye.