Search - Eddie Henderson :: Anthology V.2

Fusion-era electric jazz doesn't get any better than this!

J. Lund | SoCal, USA | 03/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Because the two albums that are reissued here -- combined in their entirety onto one CD -- have been out-of-print for so long, REALIZATION and INSIDE OUT are relative unknowns in comparison to the most acclaimed fusion-jazz era CDs by the likes Of Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Weather Report, Herbie Hancock, and others. Yet after several listens to this collection I'm seriously pondering if trumpeter Eddie Henderson may have done the best job of them all in highlighting the strengths and creativity of the fusion era while avoiding its weaknesses and excesses. At the very least the albums collected here should be counted alongside the best 1970s efforts by those other artists I mentioned. It's great to have this music finally available in CD format.



Much of Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi band -- including HH himself on keyboards -- are in on these sessions. Yet given that Henderson wrote most of the tunes and has his own distinct ideas on how to focus the diverse textures that comprise this electric-meets-acoustic jazz approach, it would be unfair to look at these cuts as Hancock sessions issued under Henderson's name (as sometimes might be the case due for contractual or other reasons). As for the music, you get consistently brilliant playing by Henderson, equally strong statements by reedman Bennie Maupin, Hancock, and others, timeless instrumental textures (where you might find a combination of acoustic bass, fender rhodes, and synth washes blending seamlessly together), and a bold mix of funk and straight-up jazz rhythms. Despite all that is going on, there is a uncluttered sense of wide-open space on these tracks. Also, while the musicians are in a progressive frame of mind, the results should be easy-to-grasp for anyone who doesn't have an anti-electric jazz bias."

A Masterpiece On CD At Last!

Glen Morris | Plano, Texas | 10/11/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Realization is one of the most important works from the fusion era, grand in scope and vision, and flawlessly executed. More melodic and ethereal than Miles Davis at his best, Eddie Henderson's Realization has a spiritual center that the Prince of Darkness never achieved (though he came close in Bitches Brew and In a Silent Way). The backup band, essentially the Herbie Hancock band at the time, goes off the charts, and Henderson is ahead of them all the way. Arguably the most beautiful jazz album recorded. Also worth buying is Herbie Hancock's Mwandishi: The Complete Warner Bros. Recordings. Same band. Same sound. Same quality."

Jazzman

James K. Stewart | Louisville, Ky USA | 11/09/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yea, baby this is the real stuff. Bless you Soul Brother

Records for re-issuing these long lost masterpieces on cd.

Dr. Eddie Henderson (he's a psychiatrist) is a BAAAAAAD

horn player. [...]. Most of

the Mwandishi band is here (minus Julian Priester on trom-

bone) along with Pat Gleeson twirling his electronic

knobs. It all meshes so well. So timeless and so forever,

it could have been recorded yesterday. Brilliant music

for open minds and ears. Pure perfection. You go Doc."