Cannonball Adderley

Cannonball Adderley is in top form on this 1959 release, which was originally issued by Riverside. Joined by pianist Wynton Kelly, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Jimmy Cobb (his bandmates at the time in the Miles Davis Sextet), the alto saxophonist delivers a soulful "I Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry" and a brisk treatment of "I've Told Ev'ry Little Star." Percy Heath and Albert "Tootie" Heath replace Chambers and Cobb on the final session for Adderley's loping gospel-flavored "Barefoot Sunday Blues"; his refreshing approach to the usually maudlin "Poor Butterfly" and upbeat arrangement of Irving Berlin's "I Remember You" are also noteworthy. This CD was briefly licensed to Landmark until the label was sold in the early '90s; this 2002 Capitol reissue includes alternate takes of "Barefoot Sunday Blues" and "I Remember You." ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide