1995 · Album
Inspiration
Recorded 1994 · Milestone · Produced by not specified in available sources
Henderson and Hays Find Common Ground in Straight-Ahead Swing
Henderson plays in prime form, making this an excellent example of his talents as both soloist and bandleader.
Kevin Hays on piano is the real secret to what makes Inspiration work. He's not flashy—he comps solidly, plays clean single-note lines when Henderson needs space, and never crowds the trumpet. That restraint matters because Henderson needs room to breathe, and Hays gives it to him. The first nine tracks were originally released in Japan as Manhattan in Blue, and Hays helps make those sessions feel coherent: straightforward post-bop, no tricks, just solid musicianship.
Henderson recorded this in 1994 during a period when he was still recalibrating his voice after decades of fusion and funk work. Here he sounds like someone rediscovering the acoustic trumpet's simple power. Miles and Freddie Hubbard are obvious touchstones—everyone hears that—but Henderson isn't imitating. He's using those reference points as a launching pad. Ed Howard on bass and Lewis Nash on drums give the whole session a swinging, unhurried pulse. Grover Washington Jr. on soprano adds color without stepping on toes, and Joe Locke's vibraphone floats in and out, brightening tracks without dominating them.
This isn't an album trying to break new ground. AllMusic reviewer Scott Yanow and All About Jazz contributor Bob Jacobson both understood that. What it does is prove Henderson can deliver a confident, unpretentious straight-ahead jazz record. That's enough. For listeners wanting accessible modern jazz with genuine swing and no unnecessary complications, Inspiration delivers exactly what its title promises.
Who's playing
Ed Howardbass
Kevin Hayspiano
Grover Washington, Jr.soprano saxophone
Lewis Nashdrums
Joe Lockevibraphone
Where next?
More by Eddie Henderson
All 20 albums →
The musicians on this record
Their own records, close in time
