Here’s a soulful team for you. Eddie “Cleanhead” Vinson who basically defined the blues alto sax, joins together with the bopping funk and gospel specialist Cannonball Adderley with a prime time band of Nat Adderley/ct, Joe Zawinul/p, Sam Jones/b and Louis Hayes/dr. Recorded in 1961, the album (and bonus tracks) consist of Vinson on vocals with Cannonball on the horn, or Vinson on the alto and the heavyweight saxist sitting out the tune. You could complain about not hearing both altos sparring for a few rounds, but you still get a lot of good times, with Vinson laying down the law on “Bright Lights, Big City,” “Person to Person” a moanin’ “Back Door Blues” and “Just a Dream” while Cannonball fills in with some warm licks. Vinson ain’t no slouch on the sax either, having a good time with the band on “Vinsonology” and “Bernice’s Bounce.” and a cooking take of “Arriving Soon” that doesn’t miss the leader. The band bounces like a pinball game, complete with flappers snapping up the ball for a new go ’round. Tight and blue as fresh washed jeans.
Fresh Sound Records