The Cannonball Adderley Quintet In San Francisco Review

07/13/2005 6:49 AM, AMG


Cannonball Adderley had struggled unsuccessfully with a quintet during 1955-1957, giving up for a time to play with Miles Davis' group. In 1959, his new quintet suddenly caught on with the release of this very exciting live album, which has been reissued on CD in the Original Jazz Classics series. With cornetist Nat Adderley, pianist Bobby Timmons, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Louis Hayes, Cannonball had the top new jazz group of 1959. Their version of Timmons' "This Here" was a major hit, and the other numbers on this famous date (which include "Spontaneous Combustion," "Hi-Fly," "You Got It," "Bohemia After Dark," and "Straight No Chaser") are also quite enjoyable, showing why Cannonball Adderley's group was a pacesetter in funky soul-jazz and proving that they could outswing most of their competition. This gem is essential for all jazz collections. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide