Broadcast on 22-Dec-2014

One of the most important records in Jazz History is our regular Christmas Jazz Feature and it's the Christmas Eve recording session in 1954 of The Miles Davis All-Stars. Mr. Davis is the nominal leader here with Milt Jackson on vibes, Thelonious Monk on piano, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. A beautiful incandescant spirit pervades the session and it feels Christmasy even though none of the music is intended to be in that vein. The complete session will be heard. The two takes of Milt Jackson's famous blues "Bags' Groove" were done in the afternoon session then a dinner break and a return to the studio. The Monk composition, "Bemsha Swing" was next then Miles Davis' "Swing Spring" gets a lengthy treatment. Two takes of the Gershwin's "The Man I Love" complete the date and Jazz History was made. Kenny Clarke said after the session was over "Miles played beautifully" so did everyone. Merry Christmas to all from The Jazz Show and your host Gavin Walker.