Joe Henderson's "Recorda-Me" opens Rickey Woodard's 1992 album The Tokyo Express, recorded live in Japan and capturing the West Coast tenor saxophonist in the company of a stellar rhythm section. Pianist James Williams takes the first solo with six commanding choruses over the 16-bar form in A minor, his playing combining hard-bop authority with lyrical sensitivity. Woodard follows with six equally substantial choruses, his big, warm tenor sound filling the room as he navigates Henderson's Latin-tinged composition with assured fluency. The 16-bar form and Latin rhythmic feel create a propulsive foundation for both soloists, the repeating harmonic cycle building cumulative intensity. Recorded for the Candid label, The Tokyo Express documents Woodard's gifts as a mainstream tenor saxophonist in the tradition of players like Gene Ammons and Dexter Gordon, musicians who prized a full, singing tone and blues-rooted melodic invention. The rhythm section of Williams on piano, Christian McBride on bass, and Clarence Johnston on drums provides a responsive and swinging foundation. Woodard's decision to open with a Henderson composition signals his respect for the post-bop tradition while the live Tokyo setting lends the performance an energy and immediacy that studio recordings sometimes lack.
