Cannonball Adderley - Somethin' Else (1958) [2022 DSD256]

Somethin' Else is a jazz album by alto saxophonist Julian "Can-
nonball" Adderley, his only album on the Blue Note label, record-
ed and released in 1958. Also on the session is trumpeter Miles
Davis in one of his handful of recording dates for Blue Note.
Adderley was a member of Davis' group at the time this album
was recorded. The Penguin Guide to Jazz selected Somethin'
Else as part of its suggested "Core Collection."
The album was recorded during Adderley's membership in the
Miles Davis' First Great Quintet, and it also marks one of the few
recordings Davis made as a sideman after 1955. Indeed, Davis
plays several of the first solos, composed the bluesy title track
and, according to the liner notes, chose most of the material.
"Autumn Leaves" would remain in the Davis book, and "Love for
Sale" would be recorded by the Davis Sextet a little over two
months later.
The twelve-bar blues "One for Daddy-O" was written by Adder-
ley's brother Nat for Chicago radio DJ Holmes "Daddy-O" Daylie.
At the end of that track, Davis can be heard addressing producer
Alfred Lion, saying "is that what you wanted, Alfred?" Adderley
and Davis would also play together on the 1958 Columbia
Records release Milestones, as well as the 1959 landmark Kind
of Blue, one of the most universally acclaimed jazz albums.
Accounts of who exactly takes the lion's share of leadership duties
between Davis and Adderley on 'Somethin' Else' is up for discus-
sion, but I'd like to sidestep that here and suggest that no matter
who, it's one of the best jazz albums out there.
Part of that claim must fall upon Adderley's shoulders. All the great
jazz records have skillful and intuitive sidemen. Some even have
other leaders as sidemen who share the load. Most truly great jazz
albums even have brilliant material - whether that comes in the
form of standards, arrangement or composition.
But not all have the warmth and heart that Adderley brings to a
solo. His phrasing is not overdrawn on these songs. It seems
intuitive, seems right. As a listener, you can find it hard to imagine
a solo or a phrase in a different way. Throughout the album he
oozes confidence and a warmth that is just as effective in contrast-
ing Miles here, as it is on 'Kind of Blue.'

Tracks:

1 Autumn Leaves 11:00
2 Love For Sale 7:00
3 Somethin' Else 8:10
4 One For The Daddy-O 8:20
5 Dancing In The Dark 4:00

Personnel:

Alto Saxophone – Cannonball Adderley
Trumpet – Miles Davis
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Art Blakey
Piano – Hank Jones