Search - Cannonball Adderley, John Coltrane :: Quintet in Chicago

Saxophone for the World

S. Greer | Tallahassee, FL | 06/19/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This performance is a great union. The entire feel of the Miles Davis Sextet changes without Miles himself: how can a lone trumpet be so forceful? But I'm glad to report that this change is by no means bad. The playing of 'Canonball and Coltrane', to refer to the title of the original album (which had nicer cover art), is miraculous. They fill Miles's temporary void masterfully, churning out their passions and making the uttermost of sounds. I'm sad in saying it, but it's a relief to hear strong, straight-ahead music from these players that doesn't have Miles's searching lash always driving it to new ground. This is sit-back-and-burn music.



Quintet in Chicago begins with the classic cutting tune Limehouse Blues (to hear another good match on this riff, refer to the album Roy and Diz). If you love the saxophone and if you have half an ear, you will be frozen at attention by the time Cannonball breaks out of the melody and takes wing - and the altitude doesn't diminish; Coltrane pushes up and up: this song may leave you spent. But you can't stop now - Stars Fell on Alabama is next. This is the very model of the ballad, featuring Cannonball and rhythm. This is my favorite track on this album, and one of my favorite on any. Each note cannonball sings here is a gift, and the whole is easy and wailing; and it is a sweet spell in the ears. But I urge you not to listen to this more than thirteen times in a row right now - you have the rest of the album to hear. WIth a wish to keep this review brief, I will say only that the rest of the album is fully energetic and satisfying. Especially beautiful is Coltrane's ballad feature, You're a Weaver of Dreams.



Please go out and buy, or click and buy, this CD right now if you haven't heard it, especially if you play saxophone. You will keep it near for a long time."

Beyond Five Stars!!

jazzluvermee | Tulsa, Ok United States | 06/14/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I had the original stereo recording of this, and I am glad it's rereleased on CD. I thoroughly enjoy every cut on this recording. Cannonball does a lovely reading of "Stars", and the interaction between him and Coltrane is great, you can tell the mutual admiration each of them had for each other. Highly recommended listening!!"

Truly deserving of 5 stars

jazzluvermee | 10/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who likes jazz will love this album. Coltrane is complex but melodic and Cannonball is his usual upbeat, witty self. In my opinion, it is one of the very best jazz albums from the late '50's/early '60's."