Joe Henderson
In N Out (180Gm)

Joe Henderson’s third album, and third for Blue Note was recorded on 10th April 1964. It features five tunes performed by his quintet. The group features a rhythm section of Elvin Jones (drums), Richard Davis (bass) and McCoy Tyner on piano. Kenny Dorham shares the horn front duties with Henderson. The title tune kicks the album into gear, and it is a driving modal piece that highlights both Dorham’s subtle trumpet and Henderson’s searing tenor. The second Henderson penned tune ‘Punjab’ is vibrant with his tenor assertive and expressive. Kenny Dorham’s contribution glides with grace and flurries of notes. Henderson’s ‘Serenity’ swings with an ease and elegance that is joyful and sprightly. His horn skates over the beautiful ensemble work of Tyner, Davis and Jones. The pianist’s own solo is similarly polished. Dorham wrote the remaining two pieces. ‘Short Story’ is a belting modal composition with Dorham taking the lead off solo in soulful mood. ‘Brown’s Town’ is another strong piece of 60’s Jazz with Dorham, Tyner and Henderson stretching the fluid core melody. The quality of Joe Henderson’s early Blue Note albums is astonishing, ‘In N Out’ maintains that standard.