JOE HENDERSON — Multiple (review)

JOE HENDERSON — Multiple album cover Album · 1973 · Fusion Buy this album from MMA partners
4.5/5 ·
Sean Trane
Just like Mode For Joe is considered by many Joe’s best work in the 60’s, many think the same for Multiple for the next decade. Not much in common between the two (outside Joe himself, of course), but the latter was released in early 73 on the great Orin Keepnews-run label Milestones. Of course, like many others 60’s icons, by this time Henderson had also veered towards fusion, and this is a very convincing shot in that particular genre. Of course names like Larry Wallis or James Ulmer are instrumental (sort of speak, because some tracks are not)

Opening on the 10-mins+ magnum opus Tress-Cun-Deo-La, the fusion modal tone is set right from the first notes, and Joe’s dubbed vocals are surprisingly good. Wallis’ Rhodes is a major ingredient for the melting pot fusion, but Holland and DeJohnette’s contributions are definitely spicing the stew as well, though the much-quieter 11-mins sensual but too-lengthy Bwaata (JDJ’s composition) is giving it a sweet aftertaste as well.

On the flipside, Joe sings again (well he “chants”, really) in Song For Sinners, and just like in the Tress track, he invites a guitarist (this time John Thomas) and we find the modal trance once again. Holland’s Turned Around has a hard time living up to its predecessor’s spellbinding powers, but its much funkier nature compensates easily in energy what it lacks in finesse. The closing Among Others is offering a fairly dissonant soundscape over a pedestrian bass, but Wallis’ Rhodes smokes and soars in the stratosphere.

A magnificent album with no flaws (except the occasional length) where Henderson shows everyone that he’s still a force to be reckoned with in the 70’s. Obviously, his brief encounter with Blood Sweat & Tears left an indelible mark on him, while Wallis would join that very same combo after this album. You won’t find much better a JR/F album recorded during that decade.
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