Gary’s Notebook

Joe Henderson (tenor sax), Lee Morgan (trumpet), Barry Harris (piano), Bob Cranshaw (bass) and Billy Higgins (drums). From the album The Sidewinder (1964).

Beginning in 1958, Morgan toured with the third version of Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers and recorded several albums with them, including Moanin’. Art Blakey made him a heroin addict and in 1961 had to return to Philadelphia, his hometown, to quit the habit, and for two years he was inactive. In 1963 he returned to New York and collaborated on Grachan Moncur III’s Evolution album, in which he played avant-garde. He also recorded for Blue Note Records The Sidewinder, which was a huge sales success and saved the record company from bankruptcy.

In 1964 he recorded Search for the New Land, which was also a hit, and briefly rejoined the Jazz Messengers. During the rest of the 1960s he continued recording incessantly as a leader and with many musicians, such as Wayne Shorter and Hank Mobley. However, at the end of the 1960s he reduced his activity, although he continued to tour with a group accompanied by Bennie Maupin playing modal jazz. In 1972 he was performing in a New York club and was shot dead by Helen Moore, his love partner, due to jealousy. He was 33 years old.

The group make an introduction an then exposes the theme in 3/4 meter, like a waltz, at medium tempo. It has the the same harmony as a blues. Henderson begins his solo playing with loose notes in the first chorus and from the second one he plays incisive and witty phrases. He is followed by Morgan repeating the game of loose notes and then displays a determined and courageous speech. Next Harris comes in and also plays the same game as Henderson and Morgan, and then goes on his way making a serene and graceful solo. To conclude, the group re-exposes the theme and ends with the introduction fading out.