Session details: Birdland (April 25, 1952)

Miles Ahead session details

April 25, 1952 (8 items; TT = 12:59)

Birdland, New York NY

WNEW-AM radio broadcast (B-)

Show chatter

Miles Davis (tpt); Don Elliott (vb, mellophone); Chuck Wayne (g); Beryl Booker (p); Clyde Lombardi (b); Connie Kay (d); Al "Jazzbo" Collins (ann)

1	Introduction (Al "Jazzbo" Collins)	0:10
	"Now let's have a touch of love here, and I think everything will be setting the stage nicely for Miles Davis to make the scene..."
2	Unknown Title	0:20
3	Rifftide (C. Hawkins)	3:40
	Listed as "Lady Be Good" on Yadeon
4	Introduction (Collins)	0:11
	"Yessir, the first time you're hearing Miles in person for a while, Miles Davis back on the scene here with a fine set of chops. What about a nice beautiful ballad like 'All the Things'?"
5	All the Things You Are (J. Kern-O. Hammerstein)	4:44
6	Introduction (Collins)	0:09
	"Miles Davis on trumpet, backed by Beryl Booker and her group, here at Birdland. And here's one of Miles' originals called 'Squirrel'..."
7	The Squirrel (T. Dameron)	3:31
8	Closing announcement (Collins)	0:14
	"Yeah, well... Miles Davis. Remember, you still have plenty of time to get down to Birdland, the jazz corner of the world here at Broadway at 52nd Street. Beryl Booker and her group, Lester "The Prez" Young, and Miles Davis..." (cut off)


1 Introduction (Al "Jazzbo" Collins) CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
2 Unknown Title CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
3 Rifftide CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
4 Introduction (Collins) CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
5 All the Things You Are CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
6 Introduction (Collins) CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
7 The Squirrel 12" LP: Stash ST-113 CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3
8 Closing announcement (Collins) CD: Yadeon 502, FAP 001/3

"Rifftide" is based on the changes of "Lady Be Good" and was first recorded in December 1944 by Mary Lou Williams. It was credited to Coleman Hawkins when he recorded it in February 1945 for Capitol. Substantially the same tune (albeit with a different bridge) was recorded in May 1954 by Thelonious Monk, with a new title, "Hackensack," and credited to Monk.

Davis had been away from New York for several months, in the Midwest trying to cure his heroin habit. He returned in April and joined the Beryl Booker group for a week at Birdland. This Friday-night performance was included on Al "Jazzbo" Collins' "The Purple Grotto" show; the following night's performance was broadcast on WJZ. Perhaps on the strengths of this gig, Davis was offered a one-week engagement at Birdland, May 1-7.

Thanks to James Accardi for identifying Collins and providing information about his show.