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The jazz world thrives on rediscoveries, those rare moments when a forgotten recording surfaces to breathe new life into the legacy of its creators. The latest revelation, Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs, a previously unknown live session by tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, is nothing short of a marvel. The discovery was made by none other than legendary drummer Jack DeJohnette, who unearthed the tapes in his personal archive earlier this year.
Recorded in the spring of 1971 at the fabled Slugs’ Saloon in New York City's East Village, the album captures Henderson at the peak of his creative powers, leading a fiery quartet that includes bassist Henry Grimes, drummer Jack DeJohnette, and pianist McCoy Tyner.
The setlist on Forces of Nature is quintessential Henderson, blending intricate originals with adventurous reimaginings of standards. Opening with the explosive title track, the quartet plunges into a swirling maelstrom of shifting rhythms and harmonic daring. Henderson's tenor cuts through the cacophony with a tone that is as muscular as it is lyrical, an embodiment of the saxophonist's duality as both a technical master and a storyteller.
One highlight is the group’s rendition of "In 'N' Out", Henderson’s classic blues, reimagined here as a blistering post-bop anthem. McCoy's solo is a study in tension and release, while DeJohnette’s drumming—often described as orchestral in its scope—propels the piece with polyrhythmic urgency.
The ballad "We'll Be Together Again" offers a moment of respite, showcasing Tyner's delicate touch on the piano and Henderson’s unmatched ability to spin long, emotive phrases. But the calm is short-lived; the album's closer, "Isotope," builds to an incendiary climax, leaving the audience at Slugs cheering for more.
The recording quality, while raw, captures the essence of Slugs’ intimate yet electric atmosphere. You can almost feel the creaky floorboards beneath your feet and hear the clinking of glasses at the bar. DeJohnette, who produced the release, chose to keep the imperfections intact, allowing listeners to experience the music as it was heard that night.
In a recent interview, DeJohnette reflected on the significance of the find. “Joe was an absolute force of nature,” he said. “This tape reminds us of his ability to make the complex feel effortless. And it captures a moment in time when we were all pushing boundaries.”
The early 1970s was a turbulent time in America, and the music reflects the era’s socio-political tensions. Henderson’s compositions, infused with blues and Afro-Cuban influences, resonate with themes of resilience and transformation. At Slugs—a haven for experimental and hard-hitting jazz—the quartet’s performance was a microcosm of the creative fervor that defined the scene.
Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs is not just an archival release; it’s a reminder of Henderson's towering artistry and his ability to lead some of the most dynamic ensembles in jazz. For those who never had the chance to experience Slugs or hear Henderson live, this album offers a glimpse into a golden era of jazz.
The album is now available on all major streaming platforms and as a deluxe vinyl edition, complete with liner notes penned by DeJohnette himself. For fans of Henderson and jazz aficionados alike, this is a release that demands your attention—and your gratitude.
Forces of Nature: Live at Slugs is a time capsule, a rediscovered treasure that reminds us of the enduring power of live jazz and the indomitable spirit of Joe Henderson.
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