Bongo Beep, recorded November 4, 1947, is a blues in C by the Charlie Parker Sextet taken at approximately 187-191 BPM over a 12-bar form. The expanded ensemble with J. J. Johnson on trombone allows for a generous distribution of solos: Parker plays two choruses of alto saxophone, Johnson takes two choruses on trombone, Miles Davis contributes two choruses on trumpet, Duke Jordan adds two choruses on piano, and Max Roach closes with one chorus on drums. The medium-up tempo blues format provides common ground for all five soloists to express their individual approaches. The sequence of three horn solos, progressing from Parker's sinuous alto through Johnson's fleet trombone to Davis's more measured trumpet, creates a compelling narrative arc. Jordan's two-chorus piano solo and Roach's drum chorus round out a performance that showcases every member of the sextet. Bongo Beep is one of several blues from the November 1947 sessions that demonstrate the Parker ensemble's ability to generate sustained creative interest within the most fundamental of jazz forms.
