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,
Davis' 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
Davis'
Sketches of Spain epic. The fun and slightly maniacally toned "Oleo" features one of
Heath's most impressive displays on
Bags' Groove. 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.
Bags' Groove belongs as a cornerstone of all jazz collections. Likewise, the neophyte as well as the seasoned jazz 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."]