Though Charlie Parker is credited for the birth of bebop, a musical language comprised of complex rhythms and melodies, Julian "Cannonball" Adderley is largely responsible for bebop's development and progression into what would become known as hard bop. His 1958 release " Somethin' Else" is an essential record for hard bop lovers as well as new jazz fans in search of a place to start.
Featuring a star-studded band comprised of Miles Davis, Art Blakey, Hank Jones, and Sam Jones, "Somethin' Else" is often considered one of the greatest small-ensemble jazz records of all time. Fans familiar with Miles' gentle trumpet lyricism will feel right at home with the record's opening track, "Autumn Leaves". Cannonball displays his mastery of the saxophone on Cole Porter's classic standard "Love for Sale", as he plays through the song's chord progression with rhythmic and melodic sophistication. With drummer Art Blakey and Sam Jones on bass, you can't help but tap your toes and snap your fingers along with this iconic recording.
