"Bangoon" (also known as "Alison's Uncle") is a swinging rhythm changes contrafact composed by pianist Hank Jones for Cannonball Adderley's 1958 Blue Note album Somethin' Else. Built on the chord progression of "I Got Rhythm" in a 32-bar AABA form in B-flat at approximately 209 bpm, the tune provides a fast-paced vehicle for all four soloists. Miles Davis opens with two choruses of trumpet that navigate the familiar changes with his characteristic harmonic economy and rhythmic poise. Adderley follows with two choruses of alto saxophone that demonstrate his complete command of the bebop vocabulary, his lines flowing with effortless fluency. Jones contributes a single chorus of elegant piano, and Art Blakey closes with a powerful drum solo over the full 32-bar form, his polyrhythmic intensity bringing the performance to a thrilling climax. The rhythm changes form was a staple of the bebop era, and the caliber of improvisation here demonstrates why it remained a proving ground for jazz musicians throughout the 1950s. This track showcases the remarkable all-star ensemble that Blue Note assembled for the Somethin' Else session, with each musician bringing a distinctive voice to the proceedings.
