Joe Henderson - Porgy and Bess

In general, Joe Henderson's take on Porgy and Bess meets the high standards of his latter-day records for Verve. Working with arranger Bob Belden and a wonderful combo -- including guitarist John Scofield, pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Dave Holland, drummer Jack DeJohnette, trombonist Conrad Herwig and vibraphonist Stefon Harris -- Henderson brings Gershwin's music to life with subtle beauty and grace. Furthermore, he demonstrates his uniqueness -- Henderson's Porgy and Bess may share the same source as Miles Davis' legendary Porgy and Bess, yet it has an original sound, relying less on orchestration than that classic. While this disc is not flawless -- instead of enhancing the music, guest spots from vocalists Chaka Khan and Sting actually stop the momentum, calling attention to themselves -- it nevertheless is another valuable addition to Henderson's catalog. ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide

Name Credits Allan Tucker Mastering Andy Kman Production Coordination Aya Takemura Assistant Engineer Bob Belden Arranger, Musical Director Bob Parsons Preparation Camille Tominaro Production Coordination Chaka Khan Vocals Conrad Herwig Arranger, Trombone Dave Holland Bass DuBose Heyward Lyricist Giulio Turturro Design, Art Direction Harry Weinger Reissue Supervisor Hollis King Art Direction Ira Gershwin Lyricist Isabelle Wong Design Jack DeJohnette Drums Jim Anderson Engineer, Mixing Jimmy Katz Photography Joe Henderson Sax (Tenor), Arranger, Producer John Scofield Guitar (Acoustic), Guitar (Electric) Kevin Hays Arranger Kevin Reeves Mastering Kristina Schwarz Assistant Engineer Leanne Ungar Engineer Merri Cyr Photography Nate Herr Release Coordinator Richard Seidel Executive Producer Samantha Black Production Coordination, Assistant Production Coordination Simon Osborne Engineer Stefon Harris Vibraphone Sting Vocals Tommy Flanagan Piano