1-LP Holland
Jazz
High Quality

When Julian Edwin Adderley burst on to the New York Jazz scene in 1955, he caused a sensation with an emotive Alto Saxophone style that had critics reaching for superlatives. The immediate response was to make comparisons with Charlie Parker, who had died that year. But the aptly nicknamed ‘Cannonball’ really was somethin’ else. With his astonishing technique, sheer command of the instrument and passionate ‘feel’, Adderley was taking modern Jazz to an even higher level. It is fascinating to hear the young newcomer billed alongside Miles Davis - the undisputed king of ‘cool’, on an album long hailed as a classic. Their styles are distinctively different, as can be heard from the outset on the gorgeously relaxed Autumn Leaves. Miles sets the pace and mood, his muted Trumpet exploring the theme with a delicacy that is quite magical. “Follow that” seems to be the message to his partner at the studio microphone - and Adderley takes up the challenge with a restrained, respectful response. Though it isn’t long before his pent-up energy is released in a flurry of notes during the first of many extended solos. In a group packed with giants on their respective instruments, it is intriguing to hear how their sense of self (ego in other words) is restrained for the common purpose of making perfect music together.

Black 180g Vinyl Edition