Joe Henderson – Tetragon

The name Joe Henderson does not necessarily leap to mind at once when the great tenor saxophonists of the 1960s are discussed. Why he nevertheless belongs in the same league as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins becomes clear on Tetragon. It was Henderson’s second – and finest – album for the Milestone label. Its particular distinction lies in the fact that the saxophonist plays alongside bassist Ron Carter in two different line-ups: with pianist Don Friedman and drummer Jack DeJohnette on the one hand, and with pianist Kenny Barron and drummer Louis Hayes on the other.

Whatever stylistic detours Henderson takes, both rhythm sections accompany him with supple playing that provides a fine contrast to his hard, at times razor-sharp tenor tone. On the entirely improvised »The Bead Game«, Joe Henderson solos his way towards the future of jazz at astonishing speed. Tetragon is a masterpiece from the closing phase of post-bop, released at a moment when modern jazz no longer seemed quite so modern, because free, spiritual and electric jazz had already arrived – or were already knocking at the door.