Miles Davis – Bags Groove VG+/VG+

Miles Davis’s “Bags’ Groove” isn’t just an album, it’s a compilation capturing a specific moment in jazz history. Released in 1957, it drew upon recordings made a few years earlier in 1954. These sessions featured a stellar line-up, including the vibraphonist Milt Jackson – whose nickname “Bags” inspired the album’s title.

The music itself lays the groundwork for some of Davis’s later innovations. You hear glimpses of the Latin influences and bluesy bop lines that would become central to his future work. The album is full of energy, with fast tempos and exciting solos from Davis himself alongside Jackson, drummer Kenny Clarke, bassist Percy Heath, and – on some tracks – pianist Horace Silver. It’s a fantastic showcase for the group’s improvisational skills, with each musician pushing the boundaries of the melody and creating something new in the moment.

“Bags’ Groove” stands as a cornerstone of 1950s hard bop. It’s a collection that both beginners and seasoned jazz fans can appreciate, offering a chance to hear these jazz giants in their prime and get a taste of the exciting sounds that were brewing just before a major shift in Miles Davis’s musical direction.