Joe Henderson / The Kicker

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Joe Henderson's first recording for Milestone was very much a continuation of the adventurous acoustic music he had recorded previously for Blue Note. For those listeners who do not wish to invest in the tenor saxophonist's "complete" eight-CD Milestone box set, this single-CD is a good place to start in investigating his middle period music. Henderson is featured in a sextet with trumpeter Mike Lawrence, trombonist Grachan Moncur III, pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Ron Carter and drummer Louis Hayeson a well-rounded set highlighted by "Mamacita," "Chelsea Bridge," "If," "Without a Song" and "Nardis."

The Kicker is the first album by jazz saxophonist Joe Henderson released on the Milestonelabel. It was recorded on August 10, 1967 with one track coming from a later session on September 27 and features performances by Henderson with Mike Lawrence, Grachan Moncur III, Kenny Barron, Ron Carter and Louis Hayes. The Allmusic review by Scott Yanow states that "Joe Henderson's first recording for Milestone was very much a continuation of the adventurous acoustic music he had recorded previously for Blue Note".^[2]

Track listing 

All compositions by Joe Henderson except where noted.

1. "Mamacita" – 3:24
2. "The Kicker" – 4:09
3. "Chelsea Bridge" (Strayhorn) – 4:40
4. "If" – 5:37
5. "Nardis" (Davis) – 4:44
6. "Without a Song" (Eliscu, Rose, Youmans) – 6:03
7. "O Amor Em Paz (Once I Loved)" (de Moraes, Gilbert, Jobim) – 5:35
8. "Mo' Joe" – 4:09

• Recorded on August 10 (tracks 1-6 & 8) & September 27 (track 7), 1967

Personnel 

• Joe Henderson - tenor saxophone
• Mike Lawrence - trumpet (omit on track 7)
• Grachan Moncur III - trombone (omit on track 7)
• Kenny Barron - piano
• Ron Carter - bass
• Louis Hayes - drums

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