Cannonball Adderley, Somethin’ Else

Description

“Somethin’ Else” is a landmark jazz album recorded on March 9, 1958, and released in August of the same year on Blue Note Records. This session marks the only album Julian “Cannonball” Adderley recorded for the label as a leader. The album features an exceptional lineup, including Miles Davis on trumpet, Hank Jones on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Art Blakey on drums.

The album’s significance is heightened by Miles Davis’ presence as a sideman, one of his rare appearances in this role after 1955. Davis, who was leading his own quintet with Adderley as a member at the time, played a crucial role in shaping the album. He contributed several opening solos, composed the bluesy title track, and reportedly selected most of the material for the session.

“Somethin’ Else” showcases a perfect blend of hard bop and cool jazz styles. The album includes stellar renditions of standards like “Autumn Leaves” and “Love for Sale,” alongside original compositions. The interplay between Adderley’s alto saxophone and Davis’ trumpet is particularly noteworthy, with their musical conversation forming the heart of the album’s appeal.

The album’s enduring popularity stems from its consistently high quality across all tracks and the unique mood it creates. The rendition of “Autumn Leaves,” with its distinctive introduction and finale, has become one of the most famous versions in jazz history. This recording session, initially considered a regular outing by professional musicians, has grown in stature over time to be regarded as one of the finest small group jazz sessions ever produced.

Label: Blue Note – BN-LA169-F
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album, Reissue, Stereo
Land: US
Released: 1973
Genre / Style: Jazz, Hard Bop

Tracklisting:

Side 1
1. Autumn Leaves – 11:00
2. Love For Sale – 7:00

Side B
1. Somethin’ Else – 8:10
2. One For Daddy-O – 8:20
3. Dancing In The Dark – 4:00

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

Producer – Alfred Lion
Reissue Producer – Daniel Bourgoise*
Engineer [Recording] – Rudy Van Gelder
Liner Notes – Jere Hausfater
Design – Mike Salisbury

This version: Label layout has “Stereo” placed directly under artist names.