Lee Morgan - The Sidewinder | Bob's Vinyl Jazz Classics
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At Bob's Vinyl we regularly delve into the history of legendary jazz records, and today we turn our spotlight on an album that is not only a milestone in hard bop, but also an unexpected commercial sensation: trumpeter Lee Morgan's 'The Sidewinder' .
Lee Morgan: A Life in Jazz, Fell by Tragedy
Edward Lee Morgan, born July 10, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a child prodigy. By age 15, he was a professional musician, and by age 18, he was a featured soloist in Dizzy Gillespie's big band. His style, initially influenced by Clifford Brown, quickly evolved into a unique, fiery, bluesy approach that embodied the essence of hard bop.
Morgan joined Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1958, where he honed his talents as a soloist and composer. He became one of the most prolific artists on the iconic Blue Note label, recording over 25 albums as a leader and appearing on hundreds of albums as a sideman. Despite his immense success and talent, Morgan also struggled with heroin addiction, which at times hampered his career. Tragically, his life came to an abrupt end on February 19, 1972, when he was shot and killed by his wife Helen at the age of 33.
'The Sidewinder': An Unexpected Hit and Jazz Icon
Released in July 1964 by Blue Note Records, 'The Sidewinder' is more than just an album; it's a cultural phenomenon. Recorded at the legendary Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey on December 21, 1963, the album is characterized by its infectious groove and revolutionary title track.
The line-up on 'The Sidewinder' is top class:
- Lee Morgan (trumpet)
- Joe Henderson (tenor saxophone)
- Barry Harris (piano)
- Bob Cranshaw (bass)
- Billy Higgins (drums)
The title song, "The Sidewinder," with its infectious boogaloo rhythm and irresistible melody, became a surprise crossover hit. It reached No. 81 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 1965 and climbed as high as No. 25 on the Billboard album chart. This was a monumental achievement for a jazz record at the time, and made the album Blue Note's best-selling record ever, saving the label from near bankruptcy. The track was even used without Morgan's permission in a Chrysler television commercial during the World Series, leading to a settlement and even greater exposure for the song.
While "The Sidewinder" is the undisputed hit, the entire album is filled with memorable compositions by Morgan. Songs like "Totem Pole" and "Hocus Pocus" showcase Morgan's versatility as a composer and the band members' seamless collaboration. The album is universally regarded as a classic and has been named by critics, including The Penguin Guide to Jazz, to its "Core Collection" of essential hard bop recordings. The Library of Congress even recently added the album to the National Recording Registry for its "cultural, historical, and/or aesthetic significance."
'The Sidewinder' is a vivid testament to Lee Morgan's unparalleled talent as a trumpeter and composer, and its lasting impact on the jazz world is undeniable. An absolute must-have for any vinyl collection! Of course Bob's Vinyl has this jazz classic in stock for you.
We'll end with a viewing tip: On Netflix, among others, you can find the great documentary 'I Called Him Morgan' about the life (and death) of Lee Morgan. An absolute must!
