Search - Bill Henderson :: His Complete Vj Recordings Vol.1

Don't expect too much from this one

Kevin W. Celebi | Greencastle, IN | 12/29/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I was rather excited to hear this set, mainly because it includes the album "Bill Henderson Sings," featuring the incredible Booker Little on trumpet. I was subsequently rather dismayed to hear Little relegated not only to the background, but to the back of the studio. He took a 4-bar, 10 second solo, and was otherwise obscured.



As for the rest of the music, it's your typical, run-of-the-mill jazz lounge music. Henderson has a rather full voice, a nice blend between sheer power and dripping sweetness. He sings plenty of standards and some of them involve only voice and piano. It's music that will appeal to non-jazz musicians, such as my classical violinist girlfriend. She found it very romantic and appealing, while I was frustrated with the lack of true jazz elements in the music.



If you like a fine male voice, standards, and romantic undertones in your background music, listen to "His Vee-Jay Recordings, Vol. 1." But jazz (and Booker Little) enthusiasts, there's practically nada for you."