J. “Cannonballs” Adderley | Something else – Autumn leaves, alto sax solo (1958)
 
Set between the hectic bop scene of the early 50s and the soon to be born cool jazz period of the 60s, Something Else is one of those few magic moments where a stellar team come together at their peak of lyrical invention and suddenly make history. In a session of sublime inspiration, Cannoball Adderley’s warm, exuberant alto sax and Miles Davis’ sharp, minimalistic muted trumpet weave unforgettable melodies supported by Hank Jones’s piano, Art Blakey’s drum and Sam Jones’ bass flawless rhythm session. Autumn Leaves in particular, which opens the recording, was so innovative, effective, and iconic that immediately began an immortal jazz standard and a masterpiece on its own. After the somewhat exotic piano intro and Davis’ pristine introduction of the theme, Cannonball’s solo comes as dynamic, powerful, yet reflective and elegant as you might expect from the artist who took Charlie Parker’s baton and dressed it in a unique blues warmth.