• Recorded on 17th April 1961 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey

• The trumpeter’s second Blue Note album in a prodigious 22-record career for the label

• Originally recorded in 1961 but not released until 1979

• Featuring pianist Herbie Hancock’s second-ever recorded performance

• The other musicians are Pepper Adams (baritone sax), Doug Watkins (bass) and Teddy Robinson (drums)

• Showcases two fine Byrd originals (‘You’re Next’, ‘Great God’) plus classic takes on Johnny Mercer (‘I’m An Old Cowhand’), Duke Ellington (‘Sophisticated Lady’) and Duke Pearson (the title track)

• Produced by Blue Note co-founder Alfred Lion