Cannonball Adderley - Somethin' Else (CD)

All Music Guide

It isn't too diffiult to understand why MFSL considered this album to be a worthy candidate for an Ultradisc reissue -- aside from Adderley, you have a lineup that includes Miles Davis, Hank Jones, Sam Jones and Art Blakey. This is a group that could take on a Barry Manilow number and turn it into a jazz masterpiece.

MFSL have done the purchaser a favor, too, by including an additional track that was left off the original album. This sixth track, "Alison's Uncle," closes out the album on a high note, changing the flow of energy in an interesting way (purists can still finish up on a quieter note, as with the original, by programming "Dancing In the Dark" as the final track). In many ways it's a surprise that this track was left off originally -- it's an excellent piece, with Adderley and Davis trading licks and solos while Jones and Blakey keep pace. Blakey also takes some terrific solos. Davis' trumpet sometimes seems a little shrill and metallic, but it's not an overwhelming problem -- certainly not when you consider Davis' style. Altogether, an excellent addition to any jazz collection.

- Steven McDonald, All Music Guide