Requisites

Jazz Workshop Revisited ~ Cannonball Adderley Sextet | By Eddie Carter

The Cannonball Adderley Sextet steps into the spotlight with a favorite album from my childhood that takes us to The Jazz Workshop.  Three years earlier, the group made their first trip to the renowned club, and The Cannonball Adderley Quintet In San Francisco was released to rave reviews.  This morning’s choice from the library, Jazz Workshop Revisited (Riverside RLP 444/RS 9444) was released in 1963 documenting their return to the venue, this time as a sextet.  Nat Adderley on cornet, Cannonball Adderley (tracks: A1 to A3, B1, B3) on alto sax, Yusef Lateef (tracks: A1, B1, B2) on flute, (track: A1) on oboe, (tracks: A2, A3) on tenor sax, Joe Zawinul on piano, Sam Jones on bass, and Louis Hayes on drums.  My copy used in this report is the 1965 US Stereo reissue.

Side One starts with an opening comment by Cannonball introducing the first tune, an original titled Primitivo.  Yusef and the trio set the mood perfectly in the introduction.  Cannonball states the haunting melody, segueing into a tenderly expressed first solo.  Yusef follows on oboe with a tantalizingly seductive statement.  Nat gives a passionate performance next, and Joe puts an elegant touch on the finale before the ensemble’s gentle closing chorus.  The group invites us to celebrate Jessica’s Birthday by Quincy Jones with a festive melody to begin the party.  Cannonball leads the solos with zestful energy on the opening statement.  Nat bristles with joyful creativity on an exciting reading next, then Lateef blazes into the third interpretation with incandescent energy.  Joe swings to an enthusiastic groove on the closer.

Marney by Donald Byrd builds to a brisk melody in unison.  Cannonball steps up first to give a vivaciously spirited opening solo.  Nat breathes fire on the next interpretation, then Yusef dispenses ferocious energy into the third reading.  Joe keeps things cooking on the closer and Sam and Louis don’t pull any punches in their support.  The altoist starts Side Two with another few words before the sextet dives into Nat Adderley’s bossa nova hit, The Jive Samba.  The trio starts with a danceable introduction ahead of the ensemble’s captivating melody.  Cannonball is especially funky on the opening statement, then Nat rocks the second reading with some spicy soul food.  Lateef answers with a light and airy sound that swings.  Zawinul shines brilliantly on an effervescent performance and Jones increases the finger-popping during the theme’s reprise with a concise comment.

Lillie by Sam Jones is a beautiful ballad that’s a showcase for Nat as the primary soloist.  Yusef backs him on the flute during the opening and ending theme.  Nat begins with a gracefully beautiful first reading and Joe has an alluring moment before the close.  Yusef Lateef’s Mellow Bruno begins with a brisk theme stated by Cannonball who takes charge on the first solo with some spirited blowing.  Nat applies some energetic exuberance to the second statement.  Lateef provides plenty of infectious enthusiasm next.  Zawinul wraps up this stellar session with a short performance before Cannonball takes the song out.  Afterward, he lets the crowd know that it’s time to go – really!  Wally Heider is the man behind the dials on Jazz Workshop Revisited.  The soundstage is stunning and places you in the club among the crowd to enjoy the group at their best.

One of the things I always loved about Cannonball’s live performances is his rapport with an audience.  In my opinion, Jazz Workshop Revisited is a great live album that perfectly complements his other two West Coast releases.  If you’re a fan of his earlier Riverside records, I offer for your consideration on your next vinyl hunt, Jazz Workshop Revisited by The Cannonball Adderley Sextet.  It doesn’t disappoint on any level and is essential listening for any jazz lover!

~ The Cannonball Adderley Quintet at The Lighthouse (Riverside RLP 344/RS 9344), The Cannonball Adderley Quintet In San Francisco (Riverside RLP 12-311/RLP 1157) – Source: Discogs.com
~ © 2021 by Edward Thomas Carter

 

 

 

More Posts: ,,,,,,,,

© Notorious Jazz 2024