Henderson Joe – Our Thing (Blue Note Classic)

After recording his auspicious debut Page One in June 1963, Joe Henderson returned to Van Gelder Studio three months later for his 2nd Blue Note date Our Thing, which once again showcased the tenor saxophonist’s deep connection with his frequent collaborator Kenny Dorham on trumpet. As both frontline foils and composers of all the tunes on this swinging five-song set, the duo set the tone accompanied by an extraordinary rhythm section with Andrew Hill on piano, Eddie Khan on bass, and Pete La Roca on drums. The album opens briskly with Henderson’s careening “Teeter Totter” and includes another up-tempo jaunt through the title track. Dorham’s sublime compositional touch is heard on the percolating “Pedro’s Time,” strutting “Back Road,” and lyrical “Escapade.”

Genre: Jazz