The Jazz Show Episode December 19, 2016
The Miles Davis All-Stars: Miles Davis with Thelonious Monk and Milt Jackson: "The Bags' Groove Session-Dec. 24,1954"
9:04pm - 12:53am
This historic and ground-breaking record date was done on December 24, 1954 and was a meeting of all-stars. Miles Davis on trumpet was the nominal leader and he performs with Thelonious Monk on piano, Milt Jackson on vibes, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums. This record date has become a Christmas Jazz Feature on The Jazz Show and an annual tradition. It's not Christmas music per se but the "feel" of Christmas is evident throughout this date. None of these great musicians were trying to make a recording that would influence and alter the sound of Modern Jazz but they did just that by simply playing their best and expressing themselves. This date became known as "The Bags' Groove Session" because of the wonderful version of Milt Jackson's simple blues tune. Three others make up the date: Monk's "Bemsha Swing", Davis' "Swing Spring" and the band's interpretation of the Gershwin classic, "The Man I Love". Enjoy the music and enjoy Christmas and Hanukkah and the Holiday Season and Happy and prosperous 2017 to all.