Somethin' Else [RVG Edition]

Remastered!
Autumn Leaves; Love for Sale; Somethin' Else; One for Daddy-O; Dancing in the Dark; Bangoon*.
(*Bonus track not on original album.)
Julian Cannonball Adderley, Alto Sax; Miles Davis, Trumpet; Art Blakey, Drums; Hank Jones, Piano; Sam Jones, Bass.

It isn't too difficult to understand why MFSL considered this album to be a worthy candidate for an Ultradisc reissue -- aside from Cannonball 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 Somethin' Else 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. The remastering job is the usual superb MFSL effort, producing clear sound with almost no background noise. Due to the original recording (made in 1958), 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. [This RVG edition corrects the name of the bonus track "Alison's Uncle" that appeared on earlier CD editions; the correct title of this track is "Bangoon."] ~ Steven McDonald, Rovi