There are a multitude of reasons why
Bags' Groove
remains a cornerstone of the
post-bop
genre. Of course there will always be the lure of the urban myth surrounding the Christmas Eve 1954 session -- featuring
Thelonious Monk
-- which is documented on the two takes of the title track. There are obviously more tangible elements, such as
Davis
' practically telepathic runs with
Sonny Rollins
(tenor sax). Or
Horace Silver
's (piano) uncanny ability to provide a stream of chord progressions that supply a second inconspicuous lead without ever overpowering. Indeed,
' choice of former
Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra
and concurrent
Modern Jazz Quartet
members
Milt Jackson
(vibes),
Kenny Clarke
(drums), and
Percy Heath
(bass) is obviously well-informed. This combo became synonymous with the ability to tastefully improvise and provide bluesy
bop
lines in varied settings. The up-tempo and
Latin
-infused syncopation featured during the opening of
"Airegin"
flows into lines and minor-chord phrasings that would reappear several years later throughout
'
Sketches of Spain
epic. The fun and slightly maniacally toned
"Oleo"
features one of
Heath
's most impressive displays on
. His staccato accompaniment exhibits the effortless nature with which these
jazz
giants are able to incorporate round after round of solos onto the larger unit.
belongs as a cornerstone of all
collections. Likewise, the neophyte as well as the seasoned
enthusiast will find much to discover and rediscover throughout the disc. [Some reissues include both historic takes of
"Bags' Groove"
as well as one additional rendering of the
pop
standard
"But Not for Me."
] ~ Lindsay Planer