Dwain

• Somethin’ Else is Cannonball Adderley’s signature work and is a masterpiece from start to finish. One of the few albums ever to feature Miles Davis as a sideman shows how much respect Miles had for Cannonball and his playing. The album contains renditions of “Autumn Leaves” and “Love for Sale” that have become the go-to recordings of these tunes in jazz culture. It feels as though there is a certain magic in the air in the studio with this recording. This feeling grips you from the Hank Jones intro on “Autumn Leaves” until the Cannonball cadenza on “Dancing in the Dark.

• Everything on the album is so well crafted and curated and one has to imagine that Miles Davis had a hand in this creative process. Miles does an incredible job as a sideman here and one could really call him a co-leader of the session. Miles’ playing is so stylistic and cool and compliments Cannonball so well without ever feeling like Miles is taking over the show. The rhythm section is so dialed and in the pocket throughout. Art Blakey does a great job of letting the music come to him and tapping into this magical vibe in the studio and taking us along for the ride. Everything that Sam Jones does is right where it needs to be. And last but not least, Hank Jones playing is one of the driving forces in the album. His intros are iconic, his comping is perfect, and his solos are ever-changing and evolving with the landscape of the music on the album.

• This album will forever live on as one of the greatest jazz albums of all time and this is very much deservedly so. It’s five tracks of absolute brilliance and jazz euphoria. It simply does not get much better than this.

Overall score: 9.7/10

Max

• Cannonball Adderley’s Blue Note album is a masterpiece. Everything from Miles’ treatment of melodies to Cannonball’s superb improvisations is absolutely dynamite. This album’s in-the-pocket swing is captivating. Everybodies musicality is well-displayed. While such tunes as “Autumn Leaves” and “Love For Sale” are arguably overdone and well-covered in the world of jazz, these versions of those 2 standards are highly regarded as essential go-to recordings. The swing of “One For Daddy-O'' feels so good as Hank Jones and the rhythm section exemplify flawless groove while working together in a way that only complements everything Miles and Cannonball have to offer. Sam Jones’ bass fits Blakey’s drive and playing to a tee. Cannonball’s ballad playing is a nice touch to the album with his version of “Dancing in the Dark.” The intros are a knockout, equipped with feel-good playing by pianist Hank Jones. This is an all-star cast that effectively delivers everything you’d expect from this group of players.

• I do think it would’ve been cool if on one of the standards where only Miles plays the head, that he and Cannonball would’ve split it or harmonized some melodic moments. Also, a true, lengthy bass or drum feature would be a nice addition too, even though both Sam Jones and Art Blakey add so much in terms of groove, feel, comping and superb rhythm section playing (the bonus track on the digital version does include a drum solo). One other possible critique could be that one could argue this version of “Autumn Leaves” is a little too slow; however, I think that’s what makes this recording so distinct and powerful. Also, fade-out endings are used just a bit too frequently here; maybe do something different on one of those endings.

• This is ultimately a great album with legendary musicians and a classic track listing that includes essential standards, a Miles tune and a Nat Adderley composition. I appreciate the emphasis on the blues at moments, while Cannonball’s bop-heavy improv lines and hard-bop tendencies are also a key part to this record. Miles’ tone, use of space, and treatment of melodies is another important component to the album, as well as it being one of the few instances where Miles Davis, after his bop era playing w/Bird, is a sideman. The combo of Cannonball and Miles is spot-on alongside a timelessly swingin’ rhythm section. Any jazz collection of note should include this record; no doubt about it.

Overall score: 9.7/10