"What People are saying about Bill Henderson"

BILL HENDERSON should be recognized as one of the definitive male jazz vocalists of the past half century; he’s a subtle, bluesy song stylist with a warm, fine-grained baritone. The Chicago native scored a jukebox hit in 1958 with Horace Silver’s “Señor Blues,” toured with Count Basie, and made a classic album with Oscar Peterson. He just released a new CD powered by drum master Roy McCurdy, and at 82, he’s sounding as suave and authoritative as ever.
—Andrew Gilbert, San Francisco Chronicle

Only 81 when this was recorded, [Bill Henderson] was as vigorous, rhythmically assured, in tune and full of blues and bop essences as when I first heard him singing as a stripling of 36. Embracing a sophisticated ballad (“Sleepin’ Bee”), updating a traditional classic (“Royal Garden Blues”) or improving on Elton John (“Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”), Henderson is utterly convincing.
—Doug Ramsey, Rifftides

Fans of Henderson’s early-career sessions will recognize that the aptly titled Beautiful Memory represents a stroll down memory lane. Yet while the songs may be largely the same (augmented by such eclectic additions as B.B. King’s “Never Make Your Move” and Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word”), the arrangements are fresh and innovative and Henderson’s reinterpretations are estimably inventive. There may be frost in his his beard, but there remains a blazing fire in his belly and an irresistibly energetic hipsterism that rivals fellow octogenarian Jon Hendricks.
—Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times

A new release by singer Bill Henderson—recorded in 2007 on his 81st birthday—should be anyone’s idea of good news. No empty mannerisms or “actor’s studio” tricks, all Henderson needs, as he revisits some of his favorite songs, is his appealing voice, easy sense of swing, and total integrity. Every jazz singer alive can and should take a lesson from the way Bill Henderson makes it all seem so easy.
—Bob Bernotas, WNTI “New & Recommended Jazz CDs”

Henderson is a breezy, fearless, no-nonsense singer, instantly likable. There’s a little bit of Joe Williams in there, a little Nat Cole. I like his bluesy lyrical pianist, Tateng Katindig. I also like his taste in songs, which include “You Are My Sunshine,” a solo with Katindig. It’s fun to hear the old Earl Hines standard “Royal Garden Blues,” a song out of fashion for decades. . . . Ellington’s “Tulip or Turnip” caps off this sweet, satisfying 12-song set. ?????
—Mary Kunz Goldman, Buffalo Evening News

It’s really something to celebrate when Bill Henderson comes out with a new recording. And this one’s a corker! For decades, Henderson has been “the jazz musician’s singer” who has additionally delighted a special a special circle of fans. At 81, Henderson sounds the same as he did at half that age. His are not Johnny Hartman type pipes, but his kinda raspy delivery is rooted in the jazz art. Bill Henderson knows no other way. . . . It’s just great to see him still in the game. And still winning it.
—George Fendel, Jazz Society of Oregon