“Inner Urge” is the title track of Joe Henderson’s 1964 Blue Note album, featuring McCoy Tyner, Bob Cranshaw and Elvin Jones. Henderson said the tune reflected the frustration of living in New York City, and its restless, driving energy makes it a favorite challenge for modern jazz players.
The harmony is built around a half-diminished chord followed by a sequence of major seventh sharp eleven chords that descend, giving the tune its distinctive Lydian sound. Each chord lasts a short time, so the harmony moves quickly while staying in the same color. The form contrasts these descending Lydian chords with sections that feel more static, creating tension and release.
For improvisation, practice the Lydian mode on each major seventh sharp eleven chord, and focus on connecting them smoothly. Since the chords move in a sequence, a single shape moved down each time can outline the harmony clearly. Henderson’s own solo is a masterclass in rhythmic variety and motif development, using short ideas that he twists and develops. Use the half-diminished section to create contrast with darker sounds.
Practice by looping the descending Lydian sequence slowly until you can play each chord’s arpeggio and mode fluently. Then add rhythm and phrasing. Listen closely to the original recording for the energy and interaction between the musicians.
Transposing tip: horn players should get a lead sheet in their key, since the sequence is fast and hard to transpose on sight.
Ear training with the Inner Urge Lead Sheet PDF: before reading along, listen to two different recordings and try to hear where each section starts. Then follow the lead sheet while listening. Connecting what you see to what you hear is how lead sheets turn into tunes you truly know.
Is it hard to play? Yes, it’s an advanced tune. Recordings to study: Henderson’s 1964 Inner Urge album. Learn more about the composer on Joe Henderson’s Wikipedia page, and find more modern jazz lead sheets on Minedit.