Joe Henderson
Tenor Sax Solo on
Song for My Father

About

Joe Henderson's two-chorus tenor saxophone solo is the second and final solo on this landmark recording. Following Silver's three-chorus piano statement, Henderson takes the 24-bar AAB form at 128 BPM in F minor, his angular, harmonically adventurous approach providing a compelling contrast to Silver's earthier style. Henderson's solo is widely celebrated for its mastery of harmony, tight rhythmic phrasing, and inventive use of pentatonic and blue note vocabulary. At 26 to 27 years old, Henderson was already developing the distinctive voice that would make him one of the most important tenor saxophonists of his generation.

Joe Henderson was 26 to 27 years old at the time.