If you know and love Miles Davis from the late 1950s period, you’re likely to appreciate Somethin’ Else. Album by alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, his only album on the Blue Note label, released in 1958.

Julian Edwin “Cannonball” Adderley (September 15, 1928 – August 8, 1975) was an American jazz alto saxophonist of the hard bop era of the 1950s and 1960s. Adderley was a member of Davis’ group at the time this album was recorded. 

Indeed, Davis plays several of the first solos, composed the bluesy title track and, according to the liner notes, chose most of the material. For instance, Autumn Leaves would remain in the Davis book, and Love for Sale would be recorded by the Davis Sextet a little over two months later.

In conclusion this is an indispensable jazz classic which stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the best of Miles, Trane or Charlie Parker.

Somethin’ Else – AllMusic Review [5/5]

Cannonball Adderley gave up his own band when he had the opportunity to become a sideman in Miles Davis’ quintet.

This eventually resulted in some of the greatest jazz recordings of all time.

Davis returned the favor in March of 1958, appearing as a sideman on this Adderley’s all-star quintet date for Blue Note.

Buy this record now!

Contact us!

Musicians
Cannonball Adderley – alto saxophone
Miles Davis – trumpet
Hank Jones – piano
Sam Jones – bass
Art Blakey – drums

Production
Alfred Lion – Producer
Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer

Track listing

1. “Autumn Leaves” Joseph Kosma, Johnny Mercer, Jacques Prévert 10:55
2. “Love for Sale” Cole Porter 7:01
3. “Somethin’ Else” Miles Davis 8:15
4. “One for Daddy-O” Nat Adderley 8:26
5. “Dancing in the Dark” Arthur Schwartz, Howard Dietz 4:07

Recorded March 9, 1958
Studio Van Gelder Studio
(Hackensack, New Jersey)

Genre – Jazz, hard bop, bebop

Length – 43:41

Label – Blue Note