Cannonball Adderley: Swingin’ In Seattle: Live at The Penthouse 1966-1967

Rating: ★★★★

Record and Artist Details

Musicians:

Roy McCurdy (d)
Nat Adderley (c)
Cannonball Adderley (as)
Victor Gaskin (b)
Cannonball Adderley
Joe Zawinul (p, el p)

Label:

Reel to Real

March/2019

Catalogue Number:

RTRCD001

RecordDate:

June 1966/October 1967

In the current climate of rediscovered tapes, ‘lost’ recordings and archive trawling, fans of Cannonball Adderley might think themselves a little short-changed. Indeed, as prominent and popular as the altoist was in his prime, he may well now be in danger of being regarded as a rather one dimensional figure – the ultimate bop-to-funk migrant whose best recordings have a consistency that means you always know what you’re getting. These newly unearthed radio broadcasts are therefore doubly welcome, not simply because they flesh out the gaps between the studio discography, but because they contain music that creates a far more complete picture of the considerable force Adderley was in person. Lovingly curated by Cory Weeds and Zev Feldman (of Resonance Records fame), the packaging is first rate, containing a clutch of insightful interviews with, among others, Adderley’s wife, featured drummer McCurdy and heir apparent Vincent Herring.

What matters most though is the music, which comes through bright, clear and loaded with atmosphere. It also provides a welcome opportunity to review Cannonball’s gifts: true, the entertainment factor and characteristic witty introductions are ever present (hear ‘74 Miles Away’), but on the steaming opener ‘Big P’ he unleashes a visceral solo that reveals ears open to recent innovations, and which gives a clue as to his impact on contemporary altoists from James Spaulding to Ray Warleigh. But there’s more to this set than mere spontaneous combustion. ‘Somewhere’ has a deep, near-spiritual feel, while a tear through ‘Back Home Blues’ exposes the bebop bedrock that underpinned his music from the off. With the entire band on fire and on form this could well be one of the top archive releases of the year. Go buy!

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