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