1 Billie's Bounce
CD: Philology Volume 18 (W 848), Volume 44 (W 875), Masters of Jazz MJCD 131

2 Ornithology (inc)
CD: Philology Volume 18 (W 848), Volume 44 (W 875), Volume 58 (W 889), Masters of Jazz MJCD 131

3 All the Things You Are
CD: Philology Volume 18 (W 848), Volume 44 (W 875), Masters of Jazz MJCD 131

4 Blue 'n' Boogie
CD: Philology Volume 18 (W 848), Volume 44 (W 875), Masters of Jazz MJCD 131

5 Anthropology
CD: Philology Volume 18 (W 848), Volume 44 (W 875), Masters of Jazz MJCD 131

6 Announcement (inc)
CD: Philology Volume 18 (W 848), Volume 44 (W 875), Masters of Jazz MJCD 131

Parker and Davis were backed by a local rhythm section. Davis was in Los Angeles with the Benny Carter Orchestra and played with Parker after hours at the Finale Club. Eventually he was fined by the musicians' union and chose to leave the Carter group and stay with the Parker Quintet. Davis' playing is steadily more assured, but there are some rough spots, e.g. the "Anthropology" theme and the opening chorus of "Ornithology." Parker covers nicely for him, however. Davis really shines on "All the Things You Are."

The Finale Club, located at 230-1/2 E. First Street in Little Tokyo, was closed down and reopened a number of times in 1945-1946. An advertisement in the March 21, 1946 edition of the California Eagle lists Erroll Garner and "Charley Parker 1946 Esquire Winner and His Hot Combo." The ad mentions that KXLA broadcasts on Saturdays from 11:30 pm until midnight, and Mondays/Tuesdays from 11:00 until 11:30 pm. It's possible that this performance was broadcast on Saturday, March 23.

Another ad in the California Eagle, this one from April 18, promises a jam session at the Club Stockade featuring Charlie Parker (as), Teddy Edwards (ts), Miles Davis (tpt), Roy Porter (d), and Warren Bracket (p) -- "also many other famous swing artists" -- to take place on Easter (April 21). In the same edition of the Eagle a report mentions that the Finale Club is reopening on April 18 as an after-hours establishment, and that KXLA will broadcast nightly at 1:30 am.

I am grateful to Craig Neilson and Robert Shoji for help with this session.