The song remains lyrical throughout, with prominent melodies played by saxophone and trumpet starting the piece on an uplifting note. "Bad Dream" is also structured around a series of stellar solos, while the melodies are tightly punctuated by percussive horn hits. A ubiquitous high hat adds a textural percussion throughout "Bad Dream." One quarter of the way through the piece a piano solo features treble register melodies and walking scales. The long solo is an impressive and varied one. The pianist brings in bass chords that blend with the bass player's walking bass line. After the lengthy piano solo, a tasteful trumpet solo livens up "Bad Dream." Next, a bass solo features only the skillful bass line and jazz drum brushes helping to keep time. Wrapping up the piece, the clarinet, trumpet, and other horn and woodwinds come in together and reprise the opening melody. Jazz legend Charlie Parker lightens...

Parker's bebop harmonies and rhythms set the stage for contemporary jazz greats. In "Moose the Mooche," a walking bass line and steady jazz drumming back up the playful saxophone and trumpet melodies. The saxophone and horns interact with each other harmonically but their parts are not freestyle but rather skillfully executed with purposeful rhythms.
Bob Berg's "Friday Night at the Cadillac Club" is heavily influenced by rock as well as blues and in this sense stands apart from the other four artists. Berg features saxophone in "Friday Night at the Cadillac Club," which also includes prominent parts by electric bass and guitar,. The use of electric instruments and heavy drumming distinguishes the Berg composition. Although the quality of playing is top-notch, the Berg piece does not stand out among others in the same genre and the alto saxophone becomes cloying at times.