Work Song is a near-classic by cornetist
Nat Adderley.
Adderley utilizes a cornet-cello-guitar front line with
Sam Jones and
Wes Montgomery, along with a top-notch rhythm section pianist including
Bobby Timmons,
Percy Heath, or
Keter Betts on bass and drummer
Louis Hayes. First up is a fine early performance of his greatest hit, "Work Song." He also helps introduce
Cannonball Adderley's "Sack O' Woe." Four songs use a smaller group, with
Timmons absent on "My Heart Stood Still," which finds
Keter Betts on cello and
Jones on bass; "Mean to Me" featuring
Nat backed by
Montgomery,
Betts, and
Hayes; and two ballads ("I've Got a Crush on You" and "Violets for Your Furs") interpreted by the
Adderley-
Montgomery-
Jones trio. No matter the setting,
Nat Adderley is heard throughout in peak form, playing quite lyrically. Highly recommended.