Cannonball’s first full recording from 1955 already gives the listener a glimpse of what is to come. Early in the 50s, drummer Kenny Clarke got paid a little extra to scout new talent for the Savoy jazz label. He was well connected with other jazz musicians, and several ensembles were created by him. This one is maybe the most famous. The brothers Adderley shape their jazz into a soul and gospel experience.
I tend to think of these famous jazz musicians as middle aged men, but when you look at the picture on the cover that is clearly not the case. They are still young, with Julian ‘Cannonball’ Adderley himself being 27 years old. Kenny Clarke and Hank Jones are a bit older but this is balanced by the 20 years old Paul Chambers on bass. On that cover picture they all look quite young.