Page One is one of the most brilliant recording debuts in jazz history. While most first efforts feature a promising jazz musician in their early stages when they sound a bit like their musical heroes since they are in the process of developing their own original voices. Page One is much different. Joe Henderson, who was 26 at the time, was already fully formed. His sound was immediately recognizable and his ability to play both inside (hard bop) and outside (explorative jazz) at the same time made him unique from the beginning of his career.

Henderson began his career playing locally in Detroit. After serving in the military and having a brief stint with organist Jack McDuff, he joined trumpeter Kenny Dorham’s group in 1962. Dorham championed Henderson and helped get him signed to Blue Note. For Page One, Henderson utilized Dorham, pianist McCoy Tyner, bassist Butch Warren and drummer Pete La Roca for a remarkable set of forward-looking and passionate jazz.

Page One includes the earliest recordings of Dorham’s “Blue Bossa” (which has been a standard ever since), “La Mesha” and four Henderson originals including “Recorda Me.” Henderson and Dorham make for a perfect team as they show on such numbers as the swinging “Jinrikisha,” the explosive “Homestretch” and the blues “Out Of The Night.” Dorham, a veteran from the bebop era, effectively passed the torch to Joe Henderson who from this point on would make a superb series of timeless recordings. Page One was a giant first step in a very significant career.

Musicians:
Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone)
Kenny Dorham (trumpet)
McCoy Tyner (piano)
Butch Warren (bass)
Pete La Roca (drums)