Miles Davis: Bemsha Swing

Miles Daviss Christmas Eve 1954 session was the one where, legend had it, Miles instructed Monk to lay out while the trumpeter soloed. Its hard to believe really, if Miles was offended by Monks playing, why would he hire him for the date? But thats not the point. This may be Miless record, but Bemsha Swing is Monks song (well, Monks and Denzil Bests). Monk comps like a yeoman while the others solo, but when it comes his turn to solo he turns in a beauty faithful to the composition, faithful to Miless desires, but Monkish all the way in its off-kilter rhythmic feel and contrapuntal notes. A rare, wonderful glimpse at Monk as sideman.