CARL ALLEN

-Swing, imagination, courage and innovation. These words bring to mind something or someone different and special. That someone in this case is tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson who is, in my opinion, one of the pioneers of jazz. One of the things that I have always admired about Joe was all of the above as well as his consistency. Before I ever played with Joe I always marveled at his forward thinking, his imagination and inventiveness.

As the drummer and producer of this project it brings me great joy and honor to be a part of such a historically rich body of music. I always felt that Joe Henderson deserved to be highlighted in a big way and this is my attempt to help put the flood lights on him. Presenting, Mr. Joe Henderson.

ERIC REED

-I think it's really too bad that Joe doesn't play most of his music these days. The best tribute you can pay someone as great as Joe Henderson is to play his music your own way.

When I played with Joe, he wasn't very big on words but believed in letting the music be expressed on the bandstand with no worries. The great thing about him and the thing that amazed me the most is that he is ALWAYS killin', no matter who was in his band. His playing was always fabulous.

Playing with Joe taught me how to truly listen on the bandstand. He isn't like a John Coltrane. Everything Joe plays is subtle and rather understated, so if you aren't listening to what he is playing, as a pianist you will just get in his way, which is why he played trio a great deal of the time. I consider myself blessed that he decided to use me for a year.

If I played tenor, I'd want to sound like Joe Henderson...oh, and Charlie Rouse.

JAVON JACKSON

-Joe Henderson has played a significant role in my musical life. Therefore, I appreciate and welcome this opportunity to honor and pay tribute to Mr. Henderson for his wonderful and dynamic artistic career.

RANDY BRECKER

-I played in Joe’s Big Band when I first came to New York City in 1968 - thirty years later I toured with his quintet in the summer of 1998 (w/Conrad Herwig, George Mraz and Al Foster) and was so thrilled to play with him, that I felt like a kid again. He is one of the greatest improvisers and composers that jazz has ever known, a true original, an inspiration to us all. It was wonderful to play this music once again, and an honor to be included in this project.

TERRELL STAFFORD

-When the name Joe Henderson is mentioned, adjectives that immediately come to mind are creative, articulate and genius, all of which describe Mr. Henderson as a person, as well as a musician. With this said, the opportunity to participate on a project that paid tribute to a gentleman of his stature was an honor. In one's life, one will recall special musical highlights, and this project will be considered one of those moments.

RODNEY WHITAKER

-Joe Henderson is one of the great voices of jazz. Mr. Henderson’s compositions and saxophone work brings to mind words such as alteration, innovation and revolution. The sound of jazz will be forever changed by his presence.

JOANNE BRACKEEN

I think Joe Henderson is fantastic - as a performer, composer and as a person. I had the good fortune to work with him for many years. My favorite composition of his is Gazelle. It’s amazing - and so many musicians love this song - it’s really a challenge to play. It has a 7/8 rhythm on top of a 4/4 time signature - and the melody of the tune also creates a mystique against the two time feels.