Jazz Archives

Carried by its almost impossibly infectious eponymous opening track, The Sidewinder helped foreshadow the sounds of boogaloo and soul-jazz with its healthy R&B influence and Latin tinge. While the rest of the album retreats to a more conventional hard bop sound, Morgan's compositions are forward-thinking and universally solid. Only 25 at the time of its release, Morgan was accomplished (and perhaps cocky) enough to speak of mentoring the great Joe Henderson, who at 26 was just beginning to play dates with Blue Note after getting out of the military. Henderson makes a major contribution to the album, especially on "Totem Pole," where his solos showed off his singular style, threatening to upstage Morgan, who is also fairly impressive here. Barry Harris, Bob Cranshaw, and Billy Higgins are all in good form throughout the album as well, and the group works together seamlessly to create an album that crackles with energy while maintaining a stylish flow.

:::Review by Stacia Proefrock:::

Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder (1963)

1. The Sidewinder (10:21)
2. Totem Pole (10:11)
3. Gary's Notebook (6:03)
4. Boy, What A Night (7:30)
5. Hocus-Pocus (6:21)
6. Totem Pole (Alternate Take) (9:57)

Credits
Artwork By [Cover Design] - Reid Miles
Bass - Bob Cranshaw
Drums - Billy Higgins
Photography [Cover Photograph, Liner Photographs] - Francis Wolff
Piano - Barry Harris
Producer - Alfred Lion
Recorded By, Remastered By - Rudy Van Gelder
Reissue Producer - Michael Cuscuna
Saxophone [Tenor] - Joe Henderson
Trumpet, Written-By - Lee Morgan