The Cannonball Adderley Quintet: Them Dirty Blues

Jim Santella

Senior Contributor since 1997

Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.

Recent articles (1,677 total)

Published: August 1, 2000

Quite familiar to the world’s jazz audience, "Dat Dere," "Work Song" and many more were brought to us by the Adderley brothers. This reissue brings together two sessions, recorded February 1 and March 29, 1960 in New York and Chicago. The New York date features Bobby Timmons, while the later, Chicago date substitutes Barry Harris. Originally issued as Riverside 1170, this reissue adds two alternate tracks from the February New York date with Timmons on piano. They’re not much different from the originals, perhaps with a little less spirit. Cannonball Adderley was in fine form, leading with fluid saxophone energy through expressive scenes and lyrical thoughts. Nat Adderley, with a rougher tone and equally quick attitude, follows up with similar expression. The ensemble romps, for the most part, with tight counterpoint that emphasizes the group’s autonomy over individual efforts. Soloists receive full support from the rest of the quintet each time up. At one point, the band gets so quiet during one of Sam Jones’ bass solos that you can hear Louis Hayes’ unused drumstick fall to the floor. The sound reproduction is quite clear, the mood is loose with a blues feel, and each soloist turns out a stellar performance.

Track Listing: Work Song; Jeannine; Easy Living; Them Dirty Blues; Dat Dere; Del Sasser; Soon; Work Song (alternate version); Dat Dere (alternate take).Collective

Personnel: Cannonball Adderley- alto saxophone; Nat Adderley- cornet; Barry Harris, Bobby Timmons- piano; Sam Jones- bass; Louis Hayes- drums.

Record Label: Capitol Records
Style: Straight-ahead/Mainstream