Al Henderson Reviews

COMMENTS

“…a gifted Canadian jazz artist…”
Raymond Moriyama, In Search of a Soul, Douglas & McIntyre, 2006

“…a bass player acclaimed in Canada’s jazz community…”
Li Robbins, CBC, July 11, 2012

COMPOSITION

“AL HENDERSON SEPTET. Jazz composition is a neglected art, frequently diminished by musicians who quickly toss off a batch of themes on worn chord changes to serve as impetus for improvisation. But bassist Al Henderson is the real thing, a composer in the tradition of Duke Ellington and Charles Mingus, whose works have distinctive energy and melodic and harmonic character, often reflecting the specific personalities of the musicians for whom they’re crafted. That skill has distinguished Henderson’s career, from the collective quartet Time Warp to his own quintet, which he recently expanded to a septet, adding cellists Matt Brubeck and Mark Chambers to the saxophones of Pat LaBarbera and Alex Dean; pianist Richard Whiteman and drummer Barry Romberg complete the ensemble.”
JAZZ By Stuart Broomer, Toronto Life, January 2009.

PERFORMANCES

“In all the jazz combos I’ve seen over the years, two cellos in the front row was a first.  Al Henderson’s septet had that – plus piano, saxophones, clarinets, flutes, bass, drums and bird whistles, to produce soundscapes that were far more complex than your average staight-ahead jazz…Regeneration Suite…an engrossing piece.”
Alayne McGregor, OttawaJazzScene.ca, June 27, 2010

“…consistently stimulating…a healthy mix of drive and fascinating adventures…”
Toronto Star

“…a thinking fan’s quintet…”
Globe & Mail

REGENERATION

“Bassist Al Henderson is a formidable bandleader…and composer…so it’s no surprise he’s in ambitious mode on the Juno-nominated Al Henderson Septet – Regeneration…He taxes his all-star companions with a 10-piece program anchored by a six-part suite inspired by the architectural vision of Raymond Moriyama specifically his ideas for the Canadian War Museum.  This in turn has led Henderson to muse on the nature of war and the result is a work of both quality and interest…With a difficult set of ideas to convey, this nonetheless must be successful.”
Geoff Chapman, Whole Note, May 27, 2010

FATHERS AND SONS

A top-drawer Toronto band plays six lengthy compositions by the bassist/leader who shows off his fine writing skills as well as cascading, booming solos on this live recording from the Montreal Bistro in August 2003. The formidable sax team is Pat LaBarbera and Alex Dean, the latter adding alto to his instrumental arsenal on two tracks. There’s a fierce “Darwin’s Ghost” with pell-mell horns, each able to differentiate their sound effectively, while drummer Barry Romberg’s trademark exuberance gets plenty of limelight and pianist Richard Whiteman anchors the lively proceedings with effective contributions. Players are relaxed whatever the tempo, horns joust with passion on a title track that has a haunting opening. The out tune “Obscure” has witty Whiteman comping, while “Millenium Jump” features a curious, attractive theme and invigorating playing.
Geoff Chapman, Toronto Star, Thursday, October 14, 2004.

“…this session has it all.”
JazzReview.com

“Al Henderson works without a net, but you’re never in danger of not having a good time…”
Whole Note

“Henderson’s music carries with it a vibrancy lacking in today’s congested self-produced glut.”
The Jazz Report

URBAN LANDSCAPE

“…each piece has its own personality with plenty of variety. Highly recommended. “
AllMusic.com

“This is an album stamped with playfulness and fun…”
Cadence

“Unfailingly interesting.”
The Jazz Report

DINOSAUR DIG

“…the same type of joyful freedom as the music of Mingus and Monk. This set from Canada is highly recommended. ”
AllMusic.com

“the aural fantasy ride…covers every musical and emotional spectrum along the way.”
Coda

“…often hugely stimulating and even humourous…This unit makes truly original music…”
Toronto Star

“…a strong set of performances…”
Cadence