Cannonball Adderley, Live in ’63 (Jazz Icons). Riding high on his success as a leader, the alto saxophonist was proud of his early 1960s sextet. These televised concerts capture him and his sidemen expansive and swinging. Yusef Lateef, Nat Adderley, Joe Zawinul, Sam Jones and Louis Hayes had integrated with Cannonball into one of the tightest small bands in jazz. Lateef was nearing the end of his tenure with the band, pleasing the audiences –and, clearly, Cannonball, too– with his solos on flute and tenor sax. In his later years, Zawinul went out of his way to disparage his playing during this period. Hearing him here, I can’t imagine why. Sound and black-and-white video quality are excellent.
DVD: Cannonball Adderley
September 29, 2008 by
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
I was going to email you to tell you how much I loved your liner notes on the new Jazz Icons Oscar Peterson video and just saw your recommendation for the new Cannonball from the same series. I laughed because in all my uncontrollable excitement and focus on purchasing the Evans, Rollins and Peterson the minute they became available at my local Borders, I forgot to pre-order the Cannonball! That’s Ok for now, as I have 3 heavenly videos in my possession right now and will order the Cannonball on line today.
Thanks for the beautiful and informative liner notes. Since starting my jazz LP collection in the 70′s I’ve always treasured liner notes and do read them before playing the music. I was very much looking forward to playing the Peterson video and after reading your liner notes, I’m barely able to contain my excitement. So, I’ll make this short and get the DVD in my player right…now!