At 27 years old, tenor saxophonist and composerJoe Hendersonwas already in his full artistic stride by the time he madeInner Urge, his 4thBlue Note album which was recorded in November 1964. His first 3 albumsPage One,Our Thing, andIn N Outwere quintet dates where Henderson had his frequent collaborator trumpeter Kenny Dorham by his side, but onInner Urge, Henderson opted instead for a quartet setting with his the lone horn out in front.

The extraordinary line-up included two members of the trailblazing John Coltrane QuartetpianistMcCoy Tynerand drummerElvin Jonesas well as Blue Note stalwartBob Cranshawon bass. Side 1 consists of 2 timeless Henderson compositions of differing temperaments that would go on to become standards: the intense title track Inner Urge and the jovial blues Isotope, which was an homage toThelonious Monk. Side 2 opens with a 3rdHenderson original, the evocation El Barrio which opens with Hendersons plaintive cry. A stunningly gorgeous ballad performance ofDuke Pearsonspiece You Know I Care follows before the album concludes with a brisk, up-tempo dash through theCole Porterstandard Night and Day.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered byKevin Grayfrom the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Tracklist:
SideA
1. Inner Urge
2. Isotope

SideB
1. El Barrio
2. You Know I Care
3. Night and Day