About this series
Essays, broadcasts, and archival images tracing the music, the myth, and the restless genius of Miles Dewey Davis III — from East St. Louis to eternity.
Day 1 of 100 · May 26, 2026
KSDS's Ken Poston covers the eclectic and electric side of Miles Davis in the 1970's. This is Part 2.
Episode 62 • August 19, 2026
KSDS's Ken Poston covers the eclectic and electric side of Miles Davis in the 1970's. This is Part 1.
Episode 61 • August 18, 2026
KSDS host Sam Wiseman takes on the connection between Miles Davis and drumming legend, Jack DeJohnette.
Episode 60 • August 17, 2026
Morning Host/Music Director Chad Fox focuses on one of the most revolutionary albums in jazz history: Miles Davis’ Bitches Brew. Discussions on how producer Teo Macero helped shape those sprawling sessions through extensive editing and tape manipulation, and how Bitches Brew helped usher in the jazz-fusion era while forever changing the direction of Miles Davis’ music.
Episode 59 • August 14, 2026
Mike Rovatsos and Louis V take on the chronology and history of Miles Davis and his electric guitar players.
Episode 58 • August 13, 2026
Loren Schoenberg and Bassist Christian McBride discuss Miles getting plugged in...the album, In a Silent Way.
Episode 57 • August 12, 2026
Loren Schoenberg and Bassist Christian McBride discuss the legendary Chick Corea and his time with Miles Davis.
Episode 56 • August 11, 2026
Morning Host/Music Director Chad Fox explores Miles Davis in 1968, a pivotal year when the Second Great Quintet began moving beyond acoustic jazz and toward an electrified new sound. Much focus and discussion on Miles in the Sky - the groundbreaking album that captures Miles and his band at a point where you can almost hear the acoustic Second Great Quintet turning into the Electric Miles of the 1970's in real time and soon leading to In a Silent Way and Bitches Brew.
Episode 55 • August 10, 2026
Morning Host/Music Director Chad Fox discusses the 1967 sessions, where Miles Davis was in the midst of one of the most creative periods of his career, leading his Second Great Quintet through groundbreaking studio sessions that produced the landmark albums Sorcerer, Nefertiti, and the transitional recordings that would later appear on Miles in the Sky
Episode 54 • August 07, 2026
Eric Scott Reed introduces Miles new great Quintet.
Episode 53 • August 06, 2026
Episode 52 • August 05, 2026
KSDS guides you through the Miles Davis European tour in 1964 when Wayne Shorter first arrives on the scene.
Episode 51 • August 04, 2026
Ken Poston gives an overview of Wayne Shorter's career prior to joing to Miles Davis.
Episode 50 • August 03, 2026
Morning Host/Music Director Chad Fox discusses the 1964 tour in Japan and the concert that captured the group at a pivotal moment with the replacement of George Coleman with Sam Rivers. Although Rivers time with the group was short-lived, he pushed the bands limits with adventurous improvisation, bold musical interplay, and a rare chapter in the ever-changing story of Miles Davis.
Episode 49 • July 31, 2026
In this episode, host Kenny Washington covers the great work of Miles Davis with Drummer Tony Williams.
Episode 48 • July 30, 2026
Morning Host/Music Director Chad Fox discusses the 1963 tour in France featuring the first incarnation of the Second Great Quintet. These live performances reveal a band already pushing the boundaries of hard bop while laying out the foundation for the revolutionary music that would follow.
Episode 47 • July 29, 2026
Pianist and Educator, Eric Scott Reed focuses on all the Miles Davis Piano Players- This episode the spotlight is on Herbie Hancock.
Episode 46 • July 28, 2026
Ken Poston discusses this landmark recording in an in-depth episode of Sketches of Miles.
Episode 45 • July 27, 2026
Loren Schoenberg discusses along side Christian McBride, the genius of bassist Ron Carter.
Episode 44 • July 23, 2026
KSDS's Will Friedwald is mora than apt to cover all the singers that have sung Miles Davis tunes.
Episode 43 • July 23, 2026
On this episode of Sketches of Miles, Richard Seidel of KCSM is our special guest. Richard lives in San Fransisco and he talks about an important live album that came from The Blackhawk in San Fransisco. It was an historic engagement for Miles Davis that Columbia records released.
Episode 42 • July 21, 2026
On this episode of Sketches of Miles, Chuck Granata presents the monophonic mix of the 1961 album "Someday My Prince Will Come": the last studio album to feature John Coltrane with the Miles Davis sextet. This transitional moment finds Davis returning to the small group setting (after "Sketches of Spain"), creating a memorable and dynamic LP featuring Coltrane, Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb and Philly Jo Jones. This show’s historic focus is the role of Columbia Records producer Teo Maceri, who enjoyed a mercurial yet long-running relationship with Davis.
Episode 41 • July 21, 2026
The Fall 1960 tour of Europe involved anohter great saxophonist, Sonny Stitt. Host Kenny Washington guides you through this episode of Sketches of Miles.
Episode 40 • July 20, 2026
The Spring 1960 tour of Europe and Scandinavia was the last time that John Coltrane appeared as regular member of Miles Davis‘s bands. But it was also a very creative time for Miles himself, and he plays some things you’ll never hear anywhere else during the rare concert recordings that are featured in this segment of Sketches of Miles, hosted by Loren Schoenberg. You’ll also hear an interview recorded on the night of one of the concerts with John Coltrane, where he talks about his views for the future and the formation of his first Quartet.
Episode 39 • July 17, 2026
In this episode, host Kenny Washington covers the great work of Miles Davis with Drummer Jimmy Cobb and what made their collaboration so special.
Episode 38 • July 16, 2026
On this installment of Sketches of Miles, Chuck Granata traces the development of the Spanish Flamenco form, and explains how Miles Davis took its colors, textures, rhythms and tones and - with arranger Gil Evans - blended classical music and jazz to create a wholly innovative and appealing style. Along with select interview segments, the entire album is played, with particular emphasis on the LP’s centerpiece: the brilliant Davis-Evans reimagining of Rodrigo’s haunting Adagio from "Concierto de Aranjuez."
Episode 37 • July 15, 2026
Pianist and Educator, Eric Scott Reed focuses on all the Miles Davis Piano Players- This episode the spotlight is on Wynton Kelly.
Episode 36 • July 14, 2026
In this two-part “Sketches of Miles,” Chuck Granata looks at the Making of Kind of Blue with special guest, Miles expert and Grammy-winning essayist Ashley Kahn. Part 1 examines Side One of the classic LP, with additional commentary from Loren Schoenberg and pianist Bill Evans. This is Part 2.
Episode 35 • July 13, 2026
In this two-part “Sketches of Miles,” Chuck Granata looks at the Making of Kind of Blue with special guest, Miles expert and Grammy-winning essayist Ashley Kahn. Part 1 examines Side One of the classic LP, with additional commentary from Loren Schoenberg and pianist Bill Evans. This is Part 1.
Episode 34 • July 10, 2026
On this episode of Sketches of Miles, host Loren Schoenberg talks about the wonderful collaboration of Michel Legrand and Miles Davis..
Episode 33 • July 09, 2026
On this episode of Sketches of Miles, host Chuck Granata examines the 1959 Miles Davis-Gil Evans album “Porgy and Bess.” Included is commentary on The Gershwins and DuBose Hayward, the evolution of Porgy and Bess, and Miles’s brilliant conception of the score.
Episode 32 • July 08, 2026
In this episode, Loren talks about a great record session on March 9, 1958 where Miles was NOT the leader. It was Cannonball Adderley. It was the 'Somethin' Else' album. Other great Cannonball anecdotes as well. Enjoy!
Episode 31 • July 07, 2026
In this episode, Eric Scott Reed talks about the tremendous Miles Davis Sextet that featured the addition of Cannonball Adderley.
Episode 30 • July 06, 2026
In this episode, Ken Poston guides you through a style of Jazz that Miles Davis helped develop. Modal Jazz and how the important figures of George Russll and Bill Evans played a part.
Episode 29 • July 03, 2026
Today’s installment of Sketches of Miles explores the groundbreaking music composed and performed by Miles Davis and his French Quintet for the 1958 crime drama “Elevator to the Gallows” (Ascenseur Pour L'Echafaud). The improvised score bridged the late Prestige sessions and the iconic Davis LP “Kind of Blue. Host Chuck Granata is joined by film professor Dr. Dana Polan: chair of the Martin Scorcese School for Cinema Studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Episode 28 • July 02, 2026
In this episode, Ken Poston guides you through one of the most important collaborations in the history of Jazz. Miles Davis and Gil Evans.
Episode 27 • July 01, 2026
In this episode, Loren Schoenberg, walks you through late 1956, Miles Davis playing with Lester Young and this terrific time period in Miles Davis's career. The European tour in late 1956.
Episode 26 • June 30, 2026
In this episode, host Jim Gallert, will talk all about the legendary bassist, Paul Chambers and his connection to Miles Davis.
Episode 25 • June 29, 2026
In this episode, host Loren Schoenberg look at the Cafe Bohemia Broadcasts and what makes them so special.
Episode 24 • June 26, 2026
In this episode, host Kenny Washington covers the great work of Miles Davis with Drummer Philly Joe Jones and what made their collaboration so special.
Episode 23 • June 25, 2026
In this episode, host Will Friedwald explores Miles Davis's approach when it comes to Broadway classics. Guys and Dolls, Porgy and Bess and Pal Joey, to name a few.
Episode 22 • June 24, 2026
Pianist and Educator, Eric Scott Reed focuses on all the Miles Davis Piano Players- This episode the spotlight is on Red Garland.
Episode 21 • June 23, 2026
In this episode, host Ken Poston, walks you through Miles Davis's involvement in Third Stream. The combination of Classical Music and Jazz. John Lewis's Three Little Feelings is discussed as well as Poem for Brass by J.J. Johnson. These are important pieces of music that Miles Davis was involved in during this period.
Episode 20 • June 22, 2026
In this 75 minute episode, host Chuck Granata and his guest Ashley Kahn explore the pivotal 1956 Prestige sessions that resulted in the iconic albums "Workin'," "Cookin'," "Steamin'" and "Relaxin'" with The Miles Davis Quintet (featuring John Coltrane).
Episode 19 • June 19, 2026
Ken Poston goes inside the famous Miles Davis 'Round About Midnight session.
Episode 18 • June 18, 2026
Loren Schoenberg and his special guest, Lewis Porter, who is the foremost expert on the life and music of John Coltrane, explores John Coltrane's career and his connection to Miles Davis.
Episode 17 • June 17, 2026
Loren Schoenberg covers this historic period of Miles Davis's career. Hi scomeback at the 1955 Newport Jazz Festival.
Episode 16 • June 16, 2026
Drummer and Educator and KSDS host, Kenny Washington covers the drummers of Miles Davis. This episode focuses the spotlight on Kenny Clarke.
Episode 15 • June 15, 2026
Hosted by acclaimed pianist and educator Eric Scott Reed, this episode explores a pivotal year in Miles Davis's life and career as he emerged from addiction, rebuilt his health and artistry, and returned to the national jazz scene with renewed purpose. Through recordings from 1954, listeners will hear the joy, energy, and creative freedom that marked this remarkable comeback period. The program also examines the musical influences, collaborations, and life experiences that helped shape Miles's evolving sound and set the stage for his rise to legendary status.
Episode 14 • June 12, 2026
Hosted by Ken Poston, this episode highlights a unique chapter in Miles Davis's career during a brief stay on the West Coast in 1953. Featuring rare recordings from a memorable appearance with the Lighthouse All-Stars at the Lighthouse in Hermosa Beach, the program offers a fascinating snapshot of Miles as a guest performer during a transitional period in his artistic development. Listeners will hear seldom-heard material and gain fresh insight into Miles's evolving sound and growing presence on the national jazz scene.
Episode 13 • June 11, 2026
Loren covers this remarkable period of Miles Davis's career. It features tracks that have not be shared yet. It's his "Prestige Period," in 1953.
Episode 12 • June 10, 2026
One of the terrific collaborations that Miles Davis had was his relationship with Trombonist, J.J. Johnson. J.J. had the language of bebop down. Listen to this episode and find out all about the most formative bebop trombonist there ever was, J.J. Johnson.
Episode 11 • June 09, 2026
This episode explores the remarkable relationship of Miles Davis and Sonny Rollins.
Episode 10 • June 08, 2026
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's 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's early trajectory as a bandleader and visionary.
Episode 9 • June 05, 2026
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
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
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
In this episode we journey back to Miles Davis in 1948 at New Yorks 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
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
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
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
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.
Episode 1 • May 26, 2026
Broadcasted 7/21/2026 2:00:00 PM
Someday My Prince Will Come: Mobley and Final Trane
Hosted by Chuck Granata
Broadcasted 7/17/2026 1:30:00 PM
Jazz at the Philharmonic: Spring 1960 with Coltrane
Hosted by Loren Schoenberg
Broadcasted 7/9/2026 1:30:00 PM
Michel Legrand and Miles Davis: Legrand Jazz
Hosted by Loren Schoenberg
Broadcasted 7/6/2026 1:30:00 PM
Man in the Green Shirt: The Miles Davis Sextet
Hosted by Eric Scott Reed
Broadcasted 6/30/2026 12:00:00 PM
Birdland 56: Birdland All Stars in Europe
Hosted by Loren Schoenberg
Broadcasted 6/26/2026 12:00:00 PM
A Night in the Village: The Cafe Bohemia Broadcasts
Hosted by Loren Schoenberg
Broadcasted 6/20/2026 12:00:00 PM
Three Little Feelings: Miles and the Third Stream
Hosted by Ken Poston
Broadcasted 6/19/2026 12:00:00 PM
Cookin', Workin', Steamin', Relaxin'- The Final Prestige Sessions
Hosted by Chuck Granata
Broadcasted 6/5/2026 12:00:00 PM
Jazz Corner of the World: The Birdland Broadcasts
Hosted by Loren Schoenberg
Broadcasted 6/1/2026 12:00:00 PM
Jumping with Symphony Sid: Bird at the Roayl Roost
Hosted by Ken Poston
Broadcasted 5/26/2026 12:00:00 PM
Sketches of Miles - The Beginning: St. Louis Days
Hosted by Loren Schoenberg