Lee Morgans magnum opusThe Sidewinder– recorded in 1963 and release in 1964 – was both a comeback and a coronation. The prodigious trumpeter had debuted on Blue Note in 1956 at the age of 18, but personal problems in the early-60s forced him off the scene temporarily.

His rebound recording turned out to beThe Sidewinder, an assured and energetic set of 5 indelible Morgan originals featuring Joe Henderson, Barry Harris, Bob Cranshaw, and Billy Higgins. The album became his biggest commercial success fueled by the irrepressible title track.

PERSONNEL:

• Lee Morgan – trumpet
• Joe Henderson – tenor sax
• Barry Harris – piano
• Bob Cranshaw – bass
• Billy Higgins – drums

Englewood Cliffs, NJ, December 21, 1963

TRACKS:

• SIDE A
• A1. The Sidewinder
• A2. Totem Pole

• SIDE B
• B1. Gary’s Notebook
• B2. Boy, What A Night
• B3. Hocus-Pocus