Style:

Swing, typically played at up tempos.

Form:

A-B-A-C (40 Bars) [8-16-8-8]

Arrangements:

A vamp revolving around Imi - bII of the relative minor is sometimes used as an introduction. It is also common to use this vamp during the first A sections of the solo form, as heard on Miles Davis' legendary recording from Cookin'.

Key:

Ab Major

Harmony/Overview:

The harmony of this composition is mainly functional, made up predominantly of II - V - I's. The A sections are relatively straight forward and move from from Imi - IVmi, initially giving the impression of a minor blues. It is worth noting that the melody is phrased slightly differently on the two seminal Miles Davis recordings from Cookin' and Bags' Groove. The B section continues in standard bebop fare, moving rapidly through II - V descending in semi-tones. This section is slightly elongated with a total of 16 bars as opposed to 8. The C section begins similarly to B although it makes it way back to the tonic with a new and final phrase.

Recordings:

This song has been recorded over 100 times to date. It was first introduced on the 1954 Miles Davis album Bags' Groove, and Miles would also later record it on his iconic album Cookin' alongside John Coltrane. It continues to be performed frequently to this day and is one of the many compositions by Sonny Rollins that has found its place in the standard repertoire.

JGC Top Picks:

Michael Brecker & David Friesen, Old Folks, 1993

Scott Colley, This Place, 1997

Brad Mehldau, Where Do You Start, 2008