Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Somethin' Else, By Cannonball Adderly

Post-Bop and Avant-Garde Jazz Saxophonist Keith Gamble: Somethin' Else, By Cannonball Adderly:      One thing I truly appreciate about having a music blog is that I get a chance to listen to recordings I have taken for granted, or simp...

Somethin' Else, By Cannonball Adderly

     One thing I truly appreciate about having a music blog is that I get a chance to listen to recordings I have taken for granted, or simply not listen too. Saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley`s Somethin' Else is such an album. Recorded in 1958 by Blue Note Records, Somethin' Else is a timeless recording of jazz standards that have with-stood the test of time.

     Autumn Leaves remind me why I fell in love with jazz in the first place. Autumn Leaves is a beautiful piece, with Cannonball Adderley, Miles Davis, and bassist Sam Jones creating such a mysterious quality with this composition. On "Love For Sale" Cannonball really swings, while Miles Davis crafts a melody that truly tells a story. Cannonball Adderley`s phrasing on this recording is second to none, and he plays with such a large and full tone.

     Somethin' Else was recorded in 1958, when Cannonball Adderley was a member of Miles Davis Sextet. If you didn`t know any better you would think Somethin' Else was a Miles Davis recording. You may also get that impression because Cannonball Adderley wrote none of the five compositions on this recording, and a 1999 bonus track - Bangoon (Allison's Uncle), which was composed by pianist Hank Jones.

     Cannonball Adderley`s performance is reminiscent of Charlie Parker, but full of life, style, and character you would expect from Cannonball Adderley. Cannonball Adderley`s playing on Somethin' Else is ever so inspiring. Joining Cannonball Adderley on this 1958 Blue Note Records recording date are Miles Davis - Trumpet, Hank Jones - Piano, Sam Jones - Bass, and Art Blakey - Drums.