Lee Morgan-The Sidewinder (1964)

Lee Morgan was a prodigious trumpeter from Philadelphia who rose to fame as a member of Dizzy Gillespie's band and the Jazz Messengers, led by Art Blakey, during the 1950s. In 1956, Morgan began recording his own solo albums on the prestigious Blue Note label, while simultaneously continuing to collaborate with jazz greats such as John Coltrane and Hank Mobley. Among his most acclaimed recordings is "Moanin'", with the Messengers. His album and song "The Sidewinder", a contagious, upbeat soul jazz track, made him one of the label's most successful artists for years. Other tracks on this renowned album include dark jazz experiments such as "Totem Pole" and "Hocus Pocus", in which Joe Henderson's vigorous saxophone contrasts sharply with Morgan's elegant trumpet, backed by a fine band comprised of bassist Bob Cranshaw, drummer Billy Higgins, and pianist Barry Harris.