Cannonball's Blue Note Gem

Welcome to Spindl Sessions. What happens when two jazz giants come together for a single recording session? Let's dive into Cannonball Adderley's only album for Blue Note, "Somethin' Else."

In March 1958, Julian 'Cannonball' Adderley found himself in the studio with an impressive lineup. At the time, Cannonball was a member of Miles Davis' First Great Quintet. It was a busy period for Adderley, but also a time ripe for exploration and collaboration. Miles Davis, known for his innovative approach, joined in for this session, making it one of his few appearances on Blue Note.

Cannonball and Miles shared a musical chemistry that was palpable. Miles not only played trumpet on the album but also selected most of the material. He composed the title track, 'Somethin' Else', a bluesy piece that sets the tone for the entire album. This collaboration was a rare occurrence, as Davis typically recorded under his own name, but here he contributed to Adderley's vision.

The album features notable songs, including 'Autumn Leaves'. Miles Davis drew inspiration for this song from Ahmad Jamal, a pianist from Chicago. This rendition of 'Autumn Leaves' would linger in Davis' live repertoire long after the album's release. The interpretation is lauded for its lyricism and remains a standout moment on the album.

Another track, 'Love for Sale', showcases the ensemble's ability to breathe new life into a classic. Interestingly, the Miles Davis Sextet would record this song again just two months later, highlighting its significance in their creative process. Each musician brought something unique to the table, from Hank Jones' piano to Sam Jones on bass, and Art Blakey on drums. However, Keepnews noted in his review that Blakey never gets a chance to shift into high gear on this laid-back session.

A delightful moment occurs at the end of 'One for Daddy-O', composed by Cannonball's brother, Nat Adderley. It's a nod to Chicago radio DJ Holmes 'Daddy-O' Daylie. Here, listeners can catch a candid moment as Miles Davis addresses producer Alfred Lion.

The album was produced by Alfred Lion and recorded by the renowned Rudy Van Gelder, whose engineering prowess captured the quintet's dynamic performance. Upon its release in August 1958, "Somethin' Else" received high praise. Dom Cerulli gave it a five-star review in DownBeat, while Orrin Keepnews also lauded it in the 1970s, highlighting its laid-back charm.

Reissued in the 1980s, the album included a bonus track titled 'Alison's Uncle'. This track, known elsewhere as 'Bangoon', was a Hank Jones composition first appearing on Gigi Gryce's 1957 album. The name 'Alison's Uncle' was coined by Nat Adderley during the reissue, in honor of his daughter Alison's birth.

"Somethin' Else" remains a cherished part of jazz collections, earning a spot in the Penguin Guide to Jazz's 'Core Collection'. As you listen, pay special attention to Miles Davis' emotive trumpet on 'Autumn Leaves'. This has been Spindl Sessions. Keep it spinning.