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Tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson’s relationship with Blue Note begins with this crisp hard-bop album from 1963. Flaunting his expressive talents in the themes, he's soulfully inventive throughout, with a richly varied solo on "Jinrikisha." But trumpeter Kenny Dorham, who composed opener "Blue Bossa," nearly steals the show, playing spitfire-fast on "Homestretch" and boasting a burnished tone on "La Mesha." The band also includes drummer Pete La Roca, bassist Butch Warren, and pianist McCoy Tyner (who kept his name off the cover art, due to contractual obligations).