I’ve been surprised that dk hasn’t writen about this album in greater depth. It’s long been in his list of top Blue Note albums. And mine too. This recording captures some of the best work by two of the best soloists in jazz history – and recorded by one of the legendary behind-the-scenes figures in jazz, Rudy Van Gelder. (It’s no secret I have a little crush on Mr. Van Gelder.)
Named for the Miles Davis composition, this album is a conversation between Miles Davis on trumpet and Cannonball Adderley on alto sax. (The collaboration between Adderley and Davis continued in 1959 with Davis’s universally acclaimed Kind of Blue, by this same powerful group of musicians.)
But words don’t due this album justice: listen for yourself.
Masterpiece.
TITLE:
Somethin’ Else
ARTIST:
Cannonball Adderley
PERSONNEL:
Cannonball Adderley (alto sax)
Miles Davis (tenor sax)
Hank Jones (piano)
Sam Jones (bass)
Art Blakey (drums)
TRACK LISTING:
1. Autumn Leaves
2. Love For Sale
3. Somethin’ Else
4. One For Daddy-O
5. Dancing In The Dark
6. Bangoon – (bonus track)
Original Release Date: March 9, 1958
Tags: Art Blakey, Blue Note, Cannonball Adderley, Hank Jones, Miles Davis, Rudy Van Gelder, Sam Jones
14 June 2008 at 10:37 pm |
I’m putting in a comment just to let the P know that we read her entries too.
7 July 2008 at 4:23 pm |
I LOVE this album. It’s quite possibly my favorite jazz record ever. Picked it up on a whim back when I knew nothing about jazz (it only vaguely registered with me that Miles Davis was listed among the palyers.) In fact, I have to make a conscious decision at times NOT to listen to it, because every time I feel in the mood to listen to some jazz, I invariably want to listen to Somethin’ Else. By the way, Analogue Productions is coming out with a new 45 RPM issue, re-mastered by Steve Hoffman, which is probably going to be spectacular. It’ll cost $50 but I’m definitely getting it (along with Moanin’ which is also on the AP re-issue list.)
29 November 2008 at 8:29 pm |
I’m trying desperately to learn about Cannonball’s personal life. He’s such a tremendous inspiration to so many sax players, I am simply in disbelief that it’s nearly impossible (for me) to find out some minor details. Was he married? Any habits? Anything?!?
29 November 2008 at 10:21 pm |
Yes, married in 1962 to singer/actress Olga James. Here’s the most detailed info I’ve ever found on him:
http://www.saxontheweb.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=37053