BAG'S GROOVE - Free Jazz Leadsheet

"Bag’s Groove" was composed by vibraphonist Milt Jackson in 1952. The title refers to Jackson’s nickname, "Bags," given for the pouches under his eyes. The tune quickly became a cornerstone of the modern jazz repertoire, celebrated for its relaxed blues structure and inviting improvisational space.

The first recording took place in 1952 by Milt Jackson and His Quartet for Prestige Records. A later, more famous version was recorded by Miles Davis in 1954 with Thelonious Monk, Percy Heath, and Kenny Clarke, a session often cited for its brilliant interplay between Davis’s trumpet and Monk’s angular piano style.

"Bag’s Groove" follows a 12-bar blues form, but its laid-back tempo and melodic economy make it distinctive. The theme features a simple, swinging riff that leaves wide open space for soloists. Its enduring popularity stems from its balance of sophistication and accessibility, embodying the essence of hard bop and small-group jazz.