*** Cannonball Adderley Quartet

PARIS, 1960

(Pablo)

Of all of jazz's post-bop major lights, alto-saxophonist Cannonball Adderley made the meatiest party records; you could count on him for maintaining and inspiring a dedicated band of greasy technicians. This particular quintet was the one with pianist Victor Feldman, whose light conversational touch and taste for deep-dish Bill Evans-ish chords contrasts well with Cannonball's liquid heat and brother Nat's feisty cornet counterpunching.

The repertoire at this point in the altoist's history was typically rangy and casually hip. Duke Pearson's quasi-modal "Jeannine" has one of those era-defining grooves, similar to Miles Davis's "Milestones" (an elated momentum with a serious undertow). And Bobby Timmons's "Dis Here" and Nat's "Work Song" were the latest word in post-Horace Silver funky jazz. Throw in an unabashedly poignant waltz -- Frank Rosolino's "Blue Daniel" -- and the customary too-long drum solo (this being a live set) and you have a nicely full plate. No historical significance (though this is its first release), just the kind of serious play that sticks to the ribs.

-- Richard C. Walls