Sketches of Miles

Latest From The Series

Jazz Corner of the World: The Birdland Broadcasts

This episode explores a remarkable series of live broadcast recordings from 1950�1953 captured at the legendary Birdland nightclub in New York, the famed venue named in honor of Miles Davis� mentor, Charlie Parker. This episode highlights Miles in strong early form alongside an extraordinary rotating lineup of jazz giants, including Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean, Sonny Rollins, Big Nick Nicholas, Eddie �Lockjaw� Davis, and Art Blakey, among others. These historic performances reveal a pivotal period in modern jazz, capturing the energy, experimentation, and evolving language that would help define Miles Davis� early trajectory as a bandleader and visionary.

Episode 9 • June 05, 2026

Conception: Early Prestige

We explore the early years during Miles' groundbreaking tenure with Prestige Records. Featuring classic studio sessions with the remarkable musicians who joined him, this episode showcases a compelling look at the foundation that helped Miles emerge as a prominent bandleader and establish his place in modern jazz.

Episode 8 • June 04, 2026

Focus: Tadd Dameron Big 10 and Paris

Guest Host Paul Combs, Author and Saxophonist, and one of the foremost experts of Tadd Dameron leads us through the story of how Miles Davis met Tadd and the remarkable results of this collaboration.

Episode 7 • June 03, 2026

Boplicity: The Birth of the Cool

We cover when Miles Davis meets Gil Evans (via Claude Thornhill), one of the most important relationships and partnerships in jazz (Miles and Gil Evans). This episode gives you the path of how The Birth of the Cool was born and the elements of jazz that led to it.

Episode 6 • June 02, 2026

Jumping with Symphony Sid: Bird at the Royal Roost

In this episode we journey back to Miles Davis in 1948 at New York�s legendary Royal Roost, where Charlie Parker and his groundbreaking groups redefined jazz with their great jam sessions. Radio host Symphony Sid would do broadcasts from there. Relive the vibrant energy of the bebop era with this episode of 'Sketches of Miles.'

Episode 5 • June 01, 2026

Donna Lee: 1947 Back to New York

This episode covers Donna Lee, a composition that Miles wrote, was a catalyst for getting Gil Evan's attention. It was also the first original composition of Davis that was recorded. This was one of the tunes of early BeBop. And, in this year (1947), Miles had his 1st recording date as a leader. In August of 1947. Miles was becoming a very in-demand player.

Episode 4 • May 29, 2026

Yardbird Suite: Following Bird to Los Angeles

In 1946, Miles Davis hooked up with Benny Carter's band to come to Los Angeles where Charlie Parker was. Miles stayed for approximately 8 months and makes some recordings and met some other young musicians.

Episode 3 • May 28, 2026

Now's the Time: The Koko Session

Today's Sketches of Miles will focus on a tremendous significant jazz recording and also in Miles Davis's career. It's the very first session that Charlie Parker made under his own name and who did he ask to play the trumpet? 19-year-old Miles Davis.

Episode 2 • May 27, 2026

The St. Louis Days

In this first episode of 'Sketches of Miles,' we will trace Miles's first 18 years in his native St. Louis. While there are no recordings at that time we will delve into some music samples that will amplify how he became one of the giants of music. Let's start with Miles in St. Louis, just after his 30th birthday in 1956. Take a listen and be sure to check out the picture gallery that is tied to this episode.