This is one of the odder
Joe Henderson recordings. The four lengthy selections not only feature the great tenor-saxophonist but the piano and harp of
Alice Coltrane (during one of her rare appearances as a sideman), violinist
Michael White, bassist
Charlie Haden, percussionist
Kenneth Nash and Baba Duru Oshun on tablas. The somewhat spiritual nature of the music (
Henderson's compositions are titled "Fire," "Air," "Water" and "Earth") and the presence of
Alice Coltrane makes these Eastern-flavored performances rather unique if not all that essential: an early example of world music in jazz. This recording has been reissued as part of
Henderson's eight-CD Milestone box set. ~ Scott Yanow