One of the major discoveries of the 1960s, Joe Henderson was a sensation in the jazz world from the start. His sound on tenor was very original and immediately recognizable. He could play both inside (hard bop) and outside (free jazz) with ease, often alternating between the two. And he never seemed to create an uninspired chorus.

After debuting as a member of Kenny Dorham's group, Henderson was with the Horace Silver Quintet at the time that he recorded Inner Urge in 1964. It is apparent from the start of this quartet date with McCoy Tyner and Elvin Jones that Henderson was a giant very much in their league despite his youth. In addition to contributing a pair of future standards with "Isotope" and "Inner Urge" and his inventive alteration of "Night And Day," Henderson's explorative solos are full of fire, their own logic, and unpredictability.

His playing reflects both the turmoil and the passion of the 1960s along with his brilliant musicianship. Inner Urge is endlessly fascinating, one of the most important jazz recordings of the era and a highpoint in the career of Joe Henderson.

Like all Music Matters Jazz releases, this is cut from the original analog tapes, mastered by Ron Rambach and Kevin Gray at Cohearant Audio, and pressed at Record Technologies Inc (RTI). The gorgeous gatefold jacket is from Stoughton Printing in City of Industry, California and includes exclusively licensed photos from the original session inside.

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See more Joe Henderson records here.