The Latin Side of Joe Henderson

Unlike the five subjects of trombonist/bandleader Conrad Herwig’s previous (and uniformly excellent) “The Latin Side Of” tributes, Joe Henderson was actually an employer and a mentor as well as an inspiration. Recorded live at New York\'s Blue Note club, the seven-piece band is joined by saxophonist Joe Lovano on four cuts, yet the technically fluent Herwig and the muscular playing of baritone saxophonist Ronnie Cuber and trumpeter Alex Sipiagin are also prominently featured. This is to say nothing of the driving rhythm section that makes this Latin-bebop fusion work. Highlights include the opening salvo of “Recorda Me” and “Mamacita.”