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Title: Cannonball Adderley – Somethin’ Else (1958) [MFSL 2024]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO

Mobile Fidelity’s Numbered-Edition Hybrid SACD Presents 1958 Landmark in Definitive Sound: Includes Bonus Track, “Allison’s Uncle” Julian Cannonball Adderley’s only Blue Note album, Somethin’ Else, would likely forever be famous in music lore if just for the presence of Miles Davis. The iconic composer/trumpeter steps into the role of sideman on the 1958 set, one of just a handful of times he’d make such a move after the calendar passed the mid-1950s. Yet evaluating Somethin’ Else strictly on Davis’ involvement misses the big picture. Plain and simple, Adderley’s jubilant work remains a jazz landmark due to the chemistry of its Hall of Fame personnel, enthusiasm of its participants, and sophistication of its arrangements – not to mention the reference-grade production and inclusion of the definitive renditions of two jazz standards.

Sourced from the original analog master tapes and housed in a mini-LP-style gatefold sleeve, Mobile Fidelity’s numbered-edition hybrid SACD pays tribute to the record’s merit and includes the bonus track “Allison’s Uncle.” This collector’s edition provides a clear, transparent, ultra-dynamic, and up-close view of a cornerstone effort that witnesses Adderley and Davis sharing horn duty alone for the only time in their fabled careers – an arrangement that occurred as a result of Adderley having joined Davis’ sextet a year prior. That vibrancy reveals itself openly on a reissue that provides full-range reproduction of an ensemble that also includes pianist Hank Jones, bassist Sam Jones, and drummer Art Blakey. Each and every snare hit, downbeat, and cymbal splash registered by the latter take on realistic proportions, blooming and decaying as they would in front of you on a stage. Jones’ foundational bass lines register with uncommon depth and palpability, the litheness of the strings and fullness of the instrument epitomizing rhythm. Stellar, too, are the surefooted 88s. Sublime in scale, tonality, and attack, with the delineation such you can practically separate the white and black keys in your mind. As for that liquid interplay between Adderley and Davis? Lifelike in timbre, naturalism, purity, and presence. For reasons that extend far beyond the outstanding playing and flawless repertoire, Somethin’ Else is a record you’ll always want to watch and hear come together. As veteran critic Bob Blumenthal observed writing about the album four decades after its release: “The instant rapport achieved by the quintet is thus the product of much shared and common history, though the tensile strength that they create throughout created a totally unique feeling that can be attributed to the sensitive musicianship of all concerned, including the supposedly hard bopping leader and drummer.” Such emotion courses throughout every passage, and no where more obviously than on “Autumn Leaves” and “Love for Sale.” The interpretations of the Johnny Mercer and Cole Porter songs, respectively, on Somethin’ Else have long been considered part of jazz’s alluring mystique. Adderley and Davis bring contrasting approaches to the table yet sound of a singular mind on “Autumn Leaves,” with the latter’s muted trumpet and the headliner’s lush alto saxophone dovetailing into a performance that endures as a blueprint for expression, counterpoint, sophistication, fluidity, and linearity. Blues, melody, and romance pour from their horns. Their bandmates, picking up on the intimate vibe and calm mood – as well as on the spry, head-over-heels spirit of “Love for Sale” – join in on the conversation with sharp economy and float-on-air roundedness. Not to undersell the other three numbers, all deserving of five-star status. Twelve measures in length, the title track offers a slow burn in swing. Written by Adderley’s brother, Nat, the 12-bar “One for Daddy-O” transmits funk flavors. The closing “Dancing in the Dark” pops with lushness and temptation, its stream of bold colors and understated textures calling for a moonlight twirl, or at least fantasies suggestive of a memorable night. Somethin’ else, indeed. 

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Title: Cannonball Adderley – Supreme Jazz (2006)
Genre: Jazz
Format: MCH SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley was one of the true greats of his day and the height of his career, journalists were even comparing him to the legendary Charlie Parker…

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Title: Cannonball Adderley – Somethin’ Else (1958) [Analogue Productions 2009]
Genre: Jazz
Format: SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

It isn’t too difficult to understand why MFSL considered this album to be a worthy candidate for an Ultradisc reissue — aside from Cannonball Adderley, you have a lineup that includes Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones, and Art Blakey. This is a group that could take on a Barry Manilow number and turn it into a jazz masterpiece. MFSL have done the purchaser a favor, too, by including an additional track that was left off the original album. This sixth track, “”Alison’s Uncle,”” closes out Somethin’ Else on a high note, changing the flow of energy in an interesting way (purists can still finish up on a quieter note, as with the original, by programming “”Dancing in the Dark”” as the final track). In many ways it’s a surprise that this track was left off originally — it’s an excellent piece, with Adderley and Davis trading licks and solos while Jones and Blakey keep pace. Blakey also takes some terrific solos. Due to the original recording (made in 1958), Davis’ trumpet sometimes seems a little shrill and metallic, but it’s not an overwhelming problem — certainly not when you consider Davis’ style. Altogether, an excellent addition to any jazz collection.

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