Another Henderson on Milestone crossed off the list. Have been lucky the past year in finding the top titles that I’ve been after. Every other one after this will be a bonus. My top 5 favorites are in no particular order; Power to the People, Tetragon, The Elements, In Japan and the one I’m showing here, Multiple.
It’s a beautiful album filled with spirituality and soul. Henderson is on fire as usual, delivering his tenor mastery. The compositions are all superb, with the second tune on the first side, which is ”Bwaata”, standing out as one of my favorites. The swaying ebb and flow rhythm is great, the lyrical theme is speaking to me, and Henderson’s thoughtful and expressive tenor sweeps me away to a warmer place. Another highlight on this tune is Dave Holland’s bass solo with the chimes.
Another favorite (perhaps THE favorite) is ”Song for Sinners” with it’s deep and brooding undertones, percussive rhythm, sacral choir and absolutely brilliant tenor display by Henderson.
The group on this session is; Henderson on tenor, soprano, flute, percussion and voices, Larry Willis on electric piano, ring modulator and echoplex, Dave Holland on electric and double bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums, Arthur Jenkins on conga drum and percussion and Janes Ulmer as well as John Thomas on guitar.
The whole album is lovely and if you’re unfamiliar I urge you to check it out. For me, one of Joe Henderson’s best.