The Jazz Show Episode August 16, 2021
The Miles Davis Quintet with Sonny Stitt in Sweden-1960.
9:00pm - 12:42am
This is a very special edition of The Miles Davis Quintet. After the departure of pianist Bill Evans and Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, Miles Davis performed with John Coltrane, Wynton Kelly (piano), Paul Chambers (bass) and Jimmy Cobb (drums)....a quintet. John Coltrane decided to leave the group as he was about to form his own band and Miles Davis needed another saxophone player. Davis' first choice was Jimmy Heath but circumstances prevented Jimmy from travelling outside of New York and Philadelphia so Miles chose his old pal who he knew since the 1940's....Sonny Stitt. Stitt was adept on both alto and tenor saxophones and knew thousands of songs! Unfortunately during Stitt's six month stay in the band, there were no domestic recordings. Fortunately while on a short Fall tour in 1960 this special quintet was recorded in England and in Sweden. It's the Swedish concert that is our Jazz Feature tonight. It was recorded by Swedish Radio and has great audio quality. The playing is superb with Miles in great form with some inspired Sonny Stitt. The best rhythm section in Jazz propels them both to great heights. Miles Davis, Sonny Stitt, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb....five giants of music.....enjoy!