Miles Davis Bags' Groove (Mono)

180g Vinyl LP Pressed at Quality Record Pressings!
Cut from the Analogue Masters by Kevin Gray!
There are countless reasons why "Bags' Groove" is one of the cornerstones of modern jazz in the 1950s. On the one hand, of course, there is the fabled recording session on Christmas Eve 1954, in which Thelonious Monk participated, as can be heard on two takes of the title track. However, the telepathic connection between Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins and Horace Silver's piano playing, which accompanies the playing like a second lead without taking over, must also be mentioned here.
In fact, Davis was well informed in the selection of his other comrades-in-arms. The combo of Milt Jackson, Kenny Clarke and Percy Heath became synonymous with tasteful improvisations and bluesy bop lines. "Bags' Groove" is definitely one of those recordings that belongs in every jazz collection.
There are a multitude of reasons why Bags' Groove remains a cornerstone of the post-bop genre. Of course, says AllMusic Guide, 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.

Features:

• 180g Vinyl
• Mono
• Cut from the Analogue Masters by Kevin Gray
• Pressed at Quality Record Pressings
• Deluxe High-Gloss Tip-On Album Jacket

Musicians:

• Miles Davis, trumpet
• Milt Jackson, vibes (1-2)
• Thelonious Monk, piano (1-2)
• Percy Heath, bass
• Kenny Clarke, drums
• Sonny Rollins, tenor sax (3-7)
• Horace Silver, piano (3-7)

Selections:

Side A
1. Bags' Groove (take 1)
2. Bags' Groove (take 2)
Side B
1. Airegin
2. Oleo
3. But Not for Me (take 2)
4. Doxy
5. But Not for Me (take 1)

Tracks 1-2 Recorded December 14, 1954; Tracks 3-7 Recorded June 29, 1954.