CiTR

This famous Christmas Eve session has for years been our Christmas Jazz feature and 2015 is no different. This all-star record date by a band nominally led by trumpeter and Jazz icon Miles Davis contains Jazz that will live forever and has influenced countless players over the years. A true musical landmark. Mr. Davis is paired with three members of the Modern Jazz Quartet which included Milt Jackson on vibes, Percy Heath on bass and Kenny Clarke on drums, who was the MJQ's first drummer. Davis was pleased with the lineup but Prestige Record's head honcho, Bob Weinstock insisted that Thelonious Monk be on piano. Miles at first objected but finally agreed and the addition of Monk to this mix was a touch of magic. Monk was the spice on this musical concoction. The musical chemistry was wonderful here and tonight we hear the four master takes from this session beginning with Milt Jackson's blues, "Bags' Groove" which contains one of Monk's most fascinating solos. Next is a Monk tune called "Bemsha Swing". Following that is the brightest tune of the set in Miles Davis' tune "Swing Spring" and the set ends with the band's interpretation of the George and Ira Gershwin standard "The Man I Love". Great Jazz for the ages and the spirit of Christmas is heard throughout the set. Merry Christmas to all!