I was able to see vocalist Bill Henderson (1926-2016) many times in the LA jazz club scene, and was always 1) impressed at how impeccable each set would be in terms of delivery and style 2) looking around and wondering why he’s not a bigger figure in the music scene.
This two disc collection will make both thoughts come to your attention as well. Yes, he had a kind of hit with a vocal rendition of Horace Silver’s “Senor Blues” (which is included here), but for the most part he’s been overlooked so much that he’s actually better known for his acting career, which included a role in Billy Crystal’s City Slickers.
His Midwestern drawl is an asset here, adding a bit of sardonic wit to his delivery of “Busy Signal” with an all star team of Charlie Rouse/ts, Hank Jones/p, Wilbur Ware/b and Philly Joe Jones/dr. A session with B3er jimmy Smith’s Trio has him shuffling on “Ain’t That Love” and deeply blue on “Angel Eyes”. He’s adept at gospel teamed with Ramsey Lewis Trio on “Free Spirits” and is absolutely riveting on “Joey, Joey, Joey”.
Larger ensembles like octets conducted by Benny Golson or led by Bobby Bryant have Henderson holding his own with Booker Little/tp, Yusef Lateef/ts, Wynton Kelly/p, Jimmy Cob/b, Paul Chamber/b, Frank Wess/ts, and Benny Powell/tb for a wild “This Little Girl Of Mine” and a fun “Bad Luck”, wile giving a great into to “Sleepy”. He even shines with a full orchestra with oboes, harps and strings for a clear “Never Kiss and Run”, and an aria of “Don’t Like Goodbyes”. His acting skills come out when backed by Thad Jones’ orchestra on “Never Will I Marry” and My How The Time Goes By” and sparkles on “Skylark” with Tommy Flanagan/p, Freddie Green/g, Milt Hinton/b and a tasty Elvin Jones/dr. This guy fits every role given him here. You’ll be won over by him, easy.
The liner notes and studio sessions are well served here as well, giving great insight to an overlooked master.