Joe Henderson - The Elements (2017) [Hi-Res]

One of the greatest Joe Henderson albums of the 70s – a suite of tracks dedicated to the four elements – and served up with some great accompaniment from Alice Coltrane!

“The Elements” is a conceptual jazz album – yes it’s not a Prog Rock exclusive – based on the four elements Zodiac signs and the Universe as the Ancients saw it is based upon; Henderson goes transcendental, mystic, spiritual or tribal and he does it with total commitment and belief. He sought further “illumination” inviting [Artiist4353] as his harmonic partner plus double bass giant Charlie Haden and percussionists Kenneth Nash and Baba Daru Oshun as permanent participants; violin player Michael White is featured on three tracks and drummer Leon "Ndugu" Chancler on two.

„This is one of the odder Joe Henderson recordings. The four lengthy selections not only feature the great tenor-saxophonist but the piano and harp of Alice Coltrane (during one of her rare appearances as a sideman), violinist Michael White, bassist Charlie Haden, percussionist Kenneth Nash and Baba Duru Oshun on tablas. The somewhat spiritual nature of the music (Henderson's compositions are titled "Fire," "Air," "Water" and "Earth") and the presence of Alice Coltrane makes these Eastern-flavored performances rather unique if not all that essential: an early example of world music in jazz.“ (Scott Yanow, AMG)

Joe Henderson, tenor saxophone, flute, alto flute
Alice Coltrane, piano, harp, Tambura, harmonium
Charlie Haden, bass
Leon "Ndugu" Chancler, drums (on tracks 1, 4)
Kenneth Nash, narrator (4), flute (3), congas, North African Sakara Drum, bells, gong, percussion
Baba Duru Oshun, percussion, Tabla
Michael White, violin

Recorded October 15, 16, 17, 1973 at Village Recorders, Los Angeles
Engineered by Rick Heenan
Produced by Orrin Keepnews

Digitally remastered