Here are four tracks from one of the classic sessions of all time when a combination of giants gathered in Rudy Van Gelder's studio for an historic meeting on Christmas Eve afternoon and early dark, 1954. With Thelonious Monk and three-quarters of the Modern Jazz Quartet (Jackson, Heath, and Clarke) as his accomplices, Miles blends sophisticated harmonic knowledge with raw, spontaneous invention to produce extraordinary music. The two takes of "The Man I Love" are quite different within their basic similarity. An added starter in "'Round Midnight" done by the great Davis quintet of 1956–Coltrane, Garland, Chambers, and Philly Joe Jones. (With John Coltrane, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones, Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, Percy Heath, Kenny Clarke)

As with Dave Brubeck's Richard Rodgers set (My Favorite Things), his tribute to composer Matt Dennis was recorded partly in 1962 with the remainder three years later. Each of these seven standards (which include "Let's Get Away from It All," "Violets for Your Furs" and "Will You Still Be Mine?") are given superior and swinging treatments with fine solos from Brubeck and altoist Paul Desmond. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide