Morris Bailey

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Morris "Mo Jake" Bailey ( died, Nov. 2, 2013) is recognized as a multi-talented instrumentalist, prolific composer, songwriter and arranger, the brother of drummer Donald "Duck" Bailey, Father of bassist Victor Bailey. He has performed with several jazz greats such as Jimmy Smith, Bobby Timmons, Mccoy Tyner, Ted Curson, Lee Morgan, Albert "Tootie Heath", Spanky Debrest, Reggie Workman, Art Farmer, Richard "Groove" Holmes, Philly Jo Jones, Hassan Ibn Ali, Odean Pope, and other musicians and bands in and around his hometown of Philadelphia, PA.

He has a legendary status in the Philly soul scene

In 1988, after a thirty year layoff, Morris resumed playing the saxophone. By this time he ameuered to "Mo" Bailey, a name given to him by Jimmy Smith and younger musicians. He formed a group called the Superjazz Quartet that featured the legendary jazz messenger Sam Dockery. A great saxophonist Bootsie Barnes heard Mo' play and immediately hired him for a weekly gig with the drummer Lex Humphreys. He freelanced for almost twelve years