Initially skeptical about the need for a biography of a musician I’d dismissed as an unimportant hard bop journeyman, I considered Courtney Nero’s new study of Junior Cook invaluable as I read the final pages of the new book.
Have Horn, Will Travel: The Life and Music of Herman “Junior” Cook reminds readers that the lives and music of jazz’s relatively unknown and forgotten artists can be no less interesting and rewarding than drama and sounds associated with the genre’s stars.
Cook is remembered today, if at all, for his contribution to classic Horace Silver and Freddie Hubbard albums recorded in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. Nero convincingly suggests that Cook’s indifference to self-promotion, disinterest in composing original material and unhealthy habits relegated him to obscurity.
Yet the vitality of the discography compiled by Nero indicates Cook’s artistry merits a revival of interest 34 years after the saxophonist’s death. Cook’s late-career work for a series of small labels swings with unquenchable passion. And perhaps most significantly, the saxophonist’s 1961 album as a leader has aged well. Junior’s Cookin’ now resonates like a stone cold classic.
Nero highlights Cook’s turbulent relationship with his rival and onetime roommate Joe Henderson. Although he lacked Henderson drive and innovative streak, Cook clearly merits Nero’s diligent scholarship. Cook’s discography is considerably less ambitious but no less enjoyable than Henderson’s recorded legacy.