Cannonball Adderley

Savoy Jazz reissues are always unpredictable and this CD by Cannonball Adderley is no exception. This music has appeared on earlier CDs, including Discoveries and The Summer of '55, though the ever-changing total times for each track and mysteriously switching take-numbers make one wonder whether or not to keep earlier editions. In any case, valuable music by Cannonball and brother Nat Adderley (on cornet) is present, including a strong cover of Oscar Pettiford's "Bohemia After Dark," a barely disguised reworking of "Sweet Georgia Brown" ("With Apologies to Oscar") and the leader's catchy "Caribbean Cutie." The Adderley brothers, who were making their major league jazz debut in the studio, hit one out of the park with their potent performances. The supporting cast is a good one, with Donald Byrd, Kenny Clarke, Jerome Richardson, Paul Chambers and either Horace Silver or Hank Jones on piano. If one does not already own the double-disc set The Summer of '55, this CD can be considered essential for any bop fan. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide