John Kirby. Julian Joseph and Geoffrey Smith examine the recorded legacy of this American bass player who led "the biggest little band in the land", one of the few small groups of the swing era to enjoy a nationwide profile through regular radio broadcasts. Kirby's sextet included drummerO'Neill Spencer and pianist Billy Kyle , who were both to become major influences on the bebop generation. Selections include Rehearsin'fora
Nervous Breakdown, Anitra's Dance and the original version of Undecided, written by the group's trumpeter Charlie Shavers.