Cannonball Adderley

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Adderley 1Cannonball Adderley (1928-1975) was one of the most distinctive alto saxophonists post Charlie Parker. Originally from Florida, he was a high school band director in Ft. Lauderdale before moving to New York in 1955 with his brother Nat. After sitting in with Oscar Pettiford’s band at the Cafe Bohemia in New York in the summer of 1955, the alto saxophonist became an instant sensation.

Cannonball Adderley - Episode 1

Adderley clearly had his own approach to the horn, which drew inspiration from Benny Carter as well as Charlie Parker. He quickly formed his first quintet, which featured his younger brother Nat Adderley on cornet. Within a year, Cannonball caught the attention of Miles Davis, who hired the alto saxophonist to play in his sextet from 1957 to 1959. He recorded a number of important albums with Davis, including Kind of Blue. The recordings from this podcast feature Adderley’s first important recordings as a bandleader.
CompositionArtistAlbumYear
Arriving SoonCannonball AdderlyQuintet Plus One1961
New Swing StreetBenny Carter1938
Blood CountJimmy Hodges/Duke EllingtonHis Mother Called Him Bill1967
Still Talking to YouCannonball AdderleySummer of '551955
Tribute to BrownieCannonball AdderleySophisticated Swing1957
Lover ManCannonball AdderleyCannonball Enroute1957
The Way You Look TonightCannonball AdderleySophisticated Swing1957
Wee DotCannonball AdderleyAt Newport1957

Cannonball Adderley - Episode 2

By 1958 Adderley was one of the most ubiquitous alto saxophonists on the jazz scene. He was performing with his own group and also a member of the Miles Davis Sextet. His recognizable sound and affinity for soul jazz made him very popular. All the recordings from this podcast draw attention to his full sound, ebullient musical personality, and blazing technique.
CompositionAritistAlbumYear
MinorityCannonball AdderleyPortrait of Cannonball1958
Autumn LeavesCannonball AdderleySomething Else1958
Limehouse BluesCannonball AdderleyCannonball in Chicago1959
JeannineCannonball AdderleyJazz in Paris - 19601960
What is this Thing Called SoulCannonball AddlerleyWhat is this Thing Called Soul1960
Waltz for DebbieCannonball AdderleyKnow What I Mean?1961

Cannonball Adderley - Episode 3

Cannonball had a strong affinity for the blues and his soul jazz crossover hits were immensely popular. Not only was his music of the highest caliber, but it was also accessible to a very wide audience. He was an articulate and engaging musician who educated his listeners with witty commentary that illuminated the music. He was also a talent scout who introduced several prominent musicians to record producers including Wes Montgomery and Chuck Mangione, and collaborated with the young singer, Nancy Wilson. The open, affirmative personality he displayed on stage was reflected in his music. The recordings on this podcast are from the late 1950s through the mid-1960s and represent the best of his soul jazz recordings.
CompositionAritistAlbumYear
Bohemia After DarkCannonball AdderleyThe Quintet in San Francisco1959
This HereCannonball AdderleyThe Quintet in San Francisco1959
The Work SongCannonball AdderleyParis 19601960
The Jive SambaCannonball AdderleyThe Jazz Workshop Revisited1962
Mercy, Mercy, MercyCannonball AddlerleyMercy, Mercy, Mercy1966
Fiddler on the RoofCannonball AdderleyFiddler on the Roof1964