SUNBURST

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Eddie Henderson's solo debut was excellent fusion album, one between best that genre releases of all time. Two years (and one album) later recorded " Sunburst" is really good album, but not on the same league.

Some line-up changes happened; there is no more Herbie Hancock on board (he is replaced by very capable keyboardist George Duke, but not the same league as well). Between other newcomers you can find Julian Priester on reeds and new electric bassist Alphonso Johnson. Still a very "star" line-up!

Music there is similar to their debut, but main (and important) change is funky rhythms. For sure, it was common trend in early 70-s, and Eddie Henderson's record isn't exception. But as result they loosed spacey and slightly psychedelic atmosphere for the favor of funk (same happened with Hancock's solo albums as well). But with that changes music missed part of its magic, became possibly more accessible, but not such excellent. Somewhere on second album's part you will hear even openly cheesy compositions!

Good album, but far from excellent debut and strong second album! My rating is 3+.

'Sunburst' is Henderson's third album and the first that he released after the 1972 'Mwandishi' sessions that led to his first two albums. The line-up still features various members from the Mwandishi line-up, bar notable absentee Herbie Hancock. The music is quite different though. The year is 1975 and fusion had lost much of its edge and experimentalism, and as a result lost much of it appeal for me.

This album largely follows the main taste of the day, with funky fusion and shorter 'catchy' compositions, at least compared to the free-jazz based improvisations and psychedelic sound of the early 70's. There are still some traces of Henderson's earlier spacey sound, the title track and 'Galaxy' are excellent examples. Also his emotive trumpet playing remained intact. But the main part of the album can be put in the section 'energetic funk fusion with brilliant musicianship'. And by brilliant musicianship I never mean dazzling solos or 'speed of light' finger exercise, but rather the concentrated and dynamic interplay that the band achieved here. Some of the tracks weigh a bit too light for me though, and despite their obvious qualities, I can go without easier going pieces like 'Hop Scotch' or 'Involuntary Bliss'.

I believe this is a very good album from its era but compared to Henderson's previous album I will need to settle for 3.5. Recommended if you want a more accessible introduction to Henderson's superb trumpet playing.