On every tune, Adderley does what he does best, plays a virtuoso alto sax that can vary all the way from a melodic style reminiscent of one of his earlier influences, Benny Carter, to a soaring, up-tempo sound more like that of Charley Parker. A good example of the latter is his version of "Star Eyes".
Some of the guest artists get their chance too. Milt Jackson tickles the vibes with skill on "Things Are Getting Better", a song written by Adderley, and Bill Evans coaxes some soft sounds from his piano on "Know What I Mean?", which he wrote. "Nardis", a song written for Adderley by Miles Davis is another enjoyable listen. And finally something a little different, a song performed by a full orchestra that even includes an African drum player. It's called "African Waltz", and it's fairly short so I'm including the full song. (Links shown in listing at bottom are short clips.)
The bonus disc is a good listen in its own right, with selections that include a couple of guitar favorites: "Airgin" by Wes Montgomery, and Charlie Byrd on a song that's become almost a standard, "Desafinado". The last cut on the bonus disc is by Adderley and his quintet, another up-tempo tune reminiscent of bebop, "Bohemia After Dark".
I can't imagine how any jazz lover - or even just a casual fan - could go wrong with this twin set. Classic jazz by great musicians, and a two for one value. It doesn't get any better than that!
Disc 1
1 This Here 11:46
2 Dizzy's Business 7:00
3 Nardis 5:32
4 Things Are Getting Better 7:12
5 Jive Samba 11:01
6 Star Eyes 7:05
7 African Waltz 2:11
8 Know What I Mean? 4:54
9 Work Song 9:08
Disc 2 (Bonus Disc)
1 Dat Dere / Bobby Timmons 5:25
2 Airegin / Wes Montgomery 4:27
3 Soft Winds / Chet Baker 6:32
4 My Foolish Heart 4:56
5 Desafinado / Charlie Byrd 2:29
6 Thermo / Art Blakey & Jazz Messengers 6:48
7 Bemsha Swing / Thelonious Monk 7:44
8 Bohemia After Dark / Cannonball Adderley Quintet 7:49
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