Cannonball Adderley - Somthin' Else - This Day inJazz March 9th 1958

Cannonball Adderley, whose real name was Julian Edwin Adderley, was born on September 15, 1928, in Tampa, Florida. He grew up in a musical family, with his father and both of his brothers playing musical instruments. He began playing the saxophone when he was a teenager, and he quickly showed a talent for the instrument.

In the early 1940s, Adderley moved to Tallahassee, Florida, where he attended Florida A&M University. He joined the school's jazz band, which was led by his brother Nat Adderley, who played trumpet. The two brothers began playing together professionally after college, and they formed a successful band that played in nightclubs and other venues throughout the South.

Adderley's early experiences playing in his brother's band, as well as his time at Florida A&M, were crucial in shaping his musical style and his approach to improvisation. He was heavily influenced by the bebop and swing music of the time, and he began to develop a distinctive sound.

Adderley became a prominent alto saxophonist who helped to define the sound of jazz through the 1950s and 1960s. In1955, he moved to New York City, where he became part of the thriving jazz scene. It was during his time in New York that Adderley began to record his own albums as a bandleader. He quickly established himself in the bebop and hard bop styles of jazz, and he played with many of the most famous musicians of the time, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Art Blakey.

His first album, "Presenting Cannonball Adderley," was released in 1955 on the Savoy label. However it was on this day in.Jazz March 9th 1958, he recorded the album "Somethin' Else" with a talented group of musicians that included Davis, pianist Hank Jones, bassist Sam Jones, and Blakey on drums.

The album is widely considered to be one of the greatest jazz recordings of all time, and it features a number of classic tracks, including "Autumn Leaves," "Love for Sale," and the title track, "Somethin' Else." The musicians on the album all play with a remarkable level of skill and sensitivity, and their interplay and improvisation create a sense of excitement and energy that is typical of the best jazz performances.

Adderley's saxophone playing on the album is particularly noteworthy, as he is able to blend the soulful and bluesy aspects of his playing with a more sophisticated harmonic and melodic approach. Davis's trumpet playing is also a highlight, as he is able to bring a subtle and understated quality to his solos that perfectly complements the other musicians on the album.

Overall, "Somethin' Else" is a masterful display of jazz musicianship, and it has influenced countless musicians and recordings since its release. The album is a testament to the enduring power of jazz music, and it remains an essential part of any jazz fan's collection.

Throughout the 1960s, Adderley continued to record and perform with his own groups, and he became known for his soulful and bluesy approach to the saxophone. He also became a popular figure in the jazz world, and he was known for his ability to connect with audiences through his music and his engaging stage presence.

Unfortunately, Adderley's career was cut short when he died of a stroke in 1975 at the age of 46. However, his influence on jazz music has been lasting, and his recordings and performances continue to inspire musicians and fans around the world. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important and influential saxophonists in the history of jazz music.

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