Inspiration

by Scott YanowConsidering that he has been a potentially great trumpeter for over 25 years, it is surprising that Eddie Henderson has had so few sessions as a leader, and even fewer that are rewarding. This 1994 set may very be his best. Henderson is featured with a quintet that also includes pianist Kevin Hays, vibraphonist Joe Locke, bassist Ed Howard and drummer Lewis Nash; Grover Washington adds his soprano to two numbers. The emphasis is on straightahead material ranging from bop ("Surrey with the Fringe on Top" and "On Green Dolphin Street") to obscurities by Joe Henderson, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Barron, Billy Harper, Bobby Hutcherson and McCoy Tyner. Throughout Henderson plays in prime form and he takes the majority of the solo space, making this CD an excellent example of his talents.