HERITAGE

4.5 stars. It seems like everyone wants to compare this to Henderson's debut "Realization" which is one of those "Mwandishi" offshoots and a challenging masterpiece to say the least. This is Eddie's fourth studio album from 1976 and it's melodic and often very Miles-like. I love how samey the music is here, it's not in a hurry and there is so much going on most of the time. Julian Priester adds his trombones to the proceedings. We also get soprano sax, bass clarinet and flute. Add some tasty electric piano, clavinet and synths. Mike Clark does most of the drumming but Billy Hart plays on the closer. Congas and percussions and how about Paul Jackson on bass. I just can't get enough of this album.

I love the chilled sounds on the funky opener "Inside You" with those spacey synths and upfront bass as Henderson plays over top. "Nostalgia" is another highlight. That bass intro that actually continues throughout is so cool. Some sparse horns and electric piano as beats and cymbals help out. "Dr.Mganga" is an interesting title but Mganga is the name Eddie took when with Herbie's bunch and of course Henderson is a Doctor hence the title. What a song though. So much going on and I can't get enough of that electric piano. How about that trumpet! "Dark Shadow" ends it and it opens with bass clarinet as percussion sounds and atmosphere help out. Trumpet joins in too as this plods along and that bass clarinet continues almost non stop.

For me this album is all about the mood and "sound". Interesting to have so much going on at often a mid to slow pace. I'm just fascinated with this one.