1972 Original. Features Airto, Ron Carter, Dave Holland, Georg Wadenius And Others. Joe Henderson’s album "Black Is the Color" was recorded in 1972 for Milestone Records, marking a period of significant creative exploration for the tenor saxophonist. This record followed the adventurous spirit of his earlier Milestone album "In Pursuit of Blackness," but on "Black Is the Color," Henderson pushed further into avant-garde territory while still retaining his signature lyricism and robust tone. The album’s production featured a blend of acoustic and electric instruments, with commanding performances by musicians such as George Cables on electric piano, Dave Holland on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. Henderson incorporated elements of free jazz and modal improvisation, creating a soundscape reflective of the period's search for new musical expressions within jazz.

From a historical perspective, "Black Is the Color" sits at a crossroads of jazz innovation in the early 1970s. The era was characterized by both social change and an expanding palette of musical influences, including funk, rock, and world music. Notably, the album takes its title from the traditional folk tune "Black Is the Color (of My True Love’s Hair)," which Henderson interprets alongside original compositions, infusing them with improvisational freedom and rhythmic complexity. The record demonstrates Henderson’s adaptability and his willingness to embrace the evolving language of jazz without abandoning the emotional core of his playing. As such, "Black Is the Color" is regarded as a significant entry in Henderson’s discography, bridging the post-bop traditions of the 1960s with the genre’s experimental directions in the following decade.