On February 8, 2024, at Smoke Jazz Club, trumpeter Eddie Henderson led a quintet featuring alto saxophonist Donald Harrison, pianist George Cables, bassist Gerald Cannon, and drummer Lenny White. This performance was part of a special engagement celebrating the world premiere of the PBS documentary Dr. Eddie Henderson: Uncommon Genius, which aired nationwide in February 2024. (musicalamerica.com)
The quintet's setlist included selections from Henderson's latest album, Witness to History, released in early 2024. The album serves as a 50th anniversary celebration of his 1973 debut recording, Realization, and features compositions like "Scorpio Rising" and "Freedom Jazz Dance." Critics have praised the album for its fusion-infused ventures and the reunion of Henderson with drummer Lenny White, who played on the original Realization album. (chicagojazz.com)
This performance was particularly notable as it marked the first time the quintet performed together in New York since their September 2022 engagement at Smoke Jazz Club. (broadwayworld.com) The collaboration between these seasoned musicians, many of whom have been part of Henderson's ensemble for decades, brought a deep sense of camaraderie and musical synergy to the evening.
Sources
- World Premiere PBS Film Screening-Live Concert-Panel Discussion at SMOKE Jazz Club, February 7-11
- Eddie Henderson: Witness To History album review @ All About Jazz
- Eddie Henderson Quintet “Uncommon Genius” Premiere Celebration - Sat, Feb 10 - Smoke Jazz Club
- REVIEW | Eddie Henderson "Witness to History" by Jeff Cebulski
- Smoke Jazz Club Announces Fall Concert Schedule
Personnel
