As another entry in Verve's
Ultimate series, this brings together 16 classic recordings by
Cannonball Adderly, all of them personally selected by former band pianist
Joe Zawinul. Beginning with a trio of tunes from 1958's Emarcy Small Group Sessions, the set moves on to include
Adderly in quintet and larger group configurations, and even a trio of sides from his sessions backed by a string orchestra playing ballads.
Adderly was the next logical step after
Charlie "Bird" Parker, and his alto sax work was second to none, utilizing
Bird's style and mixing it up with healthy doses from
Johnny Hodges and
Benny Carter to create his own potent style. His duets with
John Coltrane on "Limehouse Blues," "Wabash," "Grand Central," and "The Sleeper" are jazz on the edge with both saxophonists challenging each other in the friendliest of musical competitions. This is a topnotch set that belongs in any jazz lover's collection. ~ Cub Koda