Cannonball
Adderley
‘Swingin’ in Seattle: Live at the
Penthouse (1966-1967)’
Reel to Real Recordings
Julian “Cannonball”
Adderley was not only one of the greatest alto saxophonists in jazz, he also
led one of the greatest bands. That’s why the release of a newly discovered
recording, culled from mid-1960’s radio broadcasts, is such a welcome treat.
The sound is phenomenal, the repertoire is adventurous, and the personnel
couldn’t be better. Adderley and his brother Nat Adderley (cornet) were as
musically symbiotic as it gets. The rest of the band – pianist Joe Zawinul, bassist Victor Gaskin, bass and Roy McCurdy on
drums – was top-notch.
The CD contains an
informative 28-page booklet with fascinating interviews with Adderley’s widow,
Olga, and McCurdy, who emerged from the Rochester scene. But the main event is
the music, including inventive originals like Zawinul’s “Hippodelphia” and “74
Miles Away.” Covers range from a fiery take on Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane’s “The Girl Next Door” to a beautiful
rendition of Leonard Bernstein’s “Somewhere.” Tunes are introduced by Adderley in
his uniquely eloquent manner, making you feel like you’re right in the club.
This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 5, 2019.
