CD Review: Nat Adderley - Work Song

Nat Adderley had recorded apart from his brother Cannonball Adderley before, including stints with Lionel Hampton, J.J. Johnson, and Woody Herman, but it was with Work Song that he became known as a distinctive jazz personality in his own right. The album was recorded on January 25 and 27, 1960 and produced by Orrin Keepnews. Wes Montgomery sits in on guitar. Bobby Timmons is fantastic on piano bringing his gospel drenched flavor to the sessions. Louis Hayes does a fine job on drums. Percy Heath is one of three bass players used. Sam Jones and Keter Betts also take turns on bass and cello bringing a chamber feel to the proceedings. Nat’s cornet leads the way with its tart tone.

The title track is the biggest standout here with Timmons and Montgomery starring on a Nat Adderley composition. “Work Song” stands as a classic of the New York hard bop school, while also having a funky soul jazz feel. From the beginning we are hearing a unique work of art with Montgomery’s guitar and Sam Jones’ cello acting like a frontline of horns instead of being employed in a usual fashion. The plucked cello sound is even better served on the next tune; “Pretty Memory”. The Bobby Timmons composed piece is another winner for the man who was briefly the torch bearer for the soul jazz movement. I really dig Nat’s cornet playing on “Mean To Me”. It gets down and out and one can really feel that some folks are just mean. “Sack O’ Woe” is a blues that could have been worked into a serviceable rock instrumental. I thought I was losing it when I heard a cat purring like it was chasing a ball of yarn when I realized it was just the cornet playing of Nat on “Violets For Your Furs”. The little flourish of octave notes by Wes Montgomery adds a gleeful touch if for just a second. Sam Jones’ “Scrambled Eggs” is another highlight and he really slaps the cello around on this one. There was potential for the cello to be a mere novelty, but the album brilliantly incorporates it. It’s one of the reasons why the album is a justified classic. Nat Adderley’s playing is stellar. The master of half valve effects is on the top whether blowing fast hard bop or playing tender on the ballads.

Article Author: Wally Bangs

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