The Sidewinder cover

The Sidewinder

Lee Morgan · 1964

50 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of hard bop and blues, pulsating with rhythmic innovation and soulful brass lines.

Why this album works

'The Sidewinder' is celebrated for its significant impact on the jazz genre, particularly for reaching number 25 on the Billboard charts, a rare feat for jazz records at the time. Its title track became a classic and has been sampled by various hip-hop artists, underscoring its lasting influence across genres.
Best for
mid-tempo rhythmic exploration soulful brass-driven grooves ideal for evening relaxation
Context
Released in 1964, 'The Sidewinder' was Lee Morgan's breakthrough album, following his work on the acclaimed 'Search for a New Land'. At this point, Morgan was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz scene, having previously gained recognition through collaborations with legendary artists like Art Blakey.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Sidewinder Standout 10:18
  • 2 Totem Pole Standout 10:13
  • 3 Totem Pole (alternate take) 10:01
  • 4 Gary's Notebook Standout 6:09
  • 5 Boy, What a Night 7:35
  • 6 Hocus-Pocus 6:23

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata