Julian "Cannonball" Adderley - Country Preacher (1969)

The Reverend Jesse Jackson gives an inspiring brief speech to open the festivities, and the Quintet begins with "Walk Tall," a lively jazz/R&B number. Named in honor of Jackson "Country Preacher" and written by keyboardist Joe Zawinul, the changing tempo tribute has two contrasting grooves: one's sad and reflective, the other happy and boisterous. The album tributes Jacksons' Operation Breadbasket program in Chicago, IL. Nat Adderley composed "Hummin'," a masterfully executed piece; the Adderley brothers' stinging solo's are complemented by Zawinul's sparkling piano play. Bassist Walter Booker shines on "Oh Babe," a vamp that owes more to blues than jazz, and Cannonball sings the bluesy lyrics like he had too much to drink. "Afro Spanish Omelet" has four parts: "Umbakwen" written by Nat finds Cannoball's sax at it's inquisitive best. Booker solos the entire 3:03 seconds of "Soli Tomba." "Oiga" is Zawinul's best solo, and drummer Roy McCurdy plays like a disturbed man surrounding Zawinul's probing electric piano with some imaginative percussioning. Cannonball displays well-trained chops on "Marabi" as he battles with brother Nat's coronet. Jesse Jackson kicks off "The Scene" while Cannoball gives thanks and group introductions over a roadhouse groove. - by Andrew Hamilton, AMG

Tracks:
1. Walk Tall (Queen Esther Marrow/Jim Rein/Joe Zawinul) 5:12
2. Country Preacher (Joe Zawinul) 4:28
3. Hummin' (Nat Adderley) 6:35
4. Oh Babe (Nat Adderley/Julian Adderley) 4:50
5. Afro-Spanish Omlet (Nat Adderley/W. Booker/Joe Zawinul/Julian Adderley) 15:40
6. The Scene (Joe Zawinul/Nat Adderley) 2:03

Personnel:
Cannonball Adderley (Alto and Soprano Saxophone)
Nat Adderley (Cornet)
Joe Zawinul (Keyboards)
Walter Booker (Double Bass)
Roy McCurdy (Drums)

Recorded live at Operation Breadbasket, in Sept, 1969