Lee Morgan’s magnum opus The Sidewinder – recorded in 1963 and released 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 be The Sidewinder, an assured and energetic set of 5 indelible Morgan originals featuring tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, pianist Barry Harris, bassist Bob Cranshaw, and drummer Billy Higgins. The album became his biggest commercial success fueled by the irrepressible title track.

Blue Note 85 Classic BLUE Vinyl Edition produced by Blue Note Records in 2024. Remastered by Kevin Gray from the original all-analog master tapes at Cohearant Audio. Pressed at Optimal Media GmbH in Germany. Includes ‘Blue Note 85’ OBI Strip.