Eternal Rhythm: Joe Henderson's Multiple

By the time Joe Henderson released Multiple in 1973, he had already established himself as one of the most expressive tenor saxophonists of his generation. But Multiple was something else entirely—a restless, searching work that blurred the lines between hard bop, avant-garde, and electric fusion. It was Henderson pushing beyond his own limits, embracing the chaotic energy of the early '70s while still maintaining his signature melodic precision.

The title track sets the tone: Henderson layers overdubbed saxophones in dizzying counterpoint, creating a swirling, hypnotic effect. This wasn’t just a technical experiment—it was a statement on the plurality of his musical identity. "Tress-Cun-Deo-La" leans into funkier territory, its insistent groove providing a foundation for Henderson’s increasingly jagged improvisations. And then there’s "Bwaata," where his playing takes on an almost vocal quality, wailing and moaning over a dense rhythmic backdrop.

Unlike some of his peers who fully embraced electric jazz, Henderson never abandoned the fundamentals of his tone and phrasing. Even at its most freewheeling, Multiple remains deeply lyrical, rooted in the blues and storytelling tradition of jazz. It’s a fascinating document of an artist at a crossroads, caught between the past and the future, unwilling to settle for either. Henderson didn’t just navigate multiple styles—he embodied them, making Multiple a vital and still-overlooked entry in his storied career.

Order the 2025 Craft Recordings reissue here

We also have a UK first pressing of Joe Henderson's classic Power To The People here