Cannonbdll Adderley

Cannonball Adderley, Phenix, Fantasy        F79004

    There is a certain irony existing between Cannonball Adderley's latest release and a recent occurrence involving his life. The title of this album, Phenix, refers to a mythical bird which is a symbol of immortality. On July I 2, Adderley suffered a  massive stroke which has left him paralyzed and unable to speak while he lies in critical condition in a Gary, Indiana hospital. The album consists of older Adderley tunes and reads like an anthology on Cannonball. The only exception is that the select ions are done in a style which suggests that the saxophone artist might be focusing in on b more contemporary manner of expression. this unfortunate twist of fate will allow listeners only to speculate what was to follow this interesting collection of jazz tunes.

    Adderley has been praised for his fluid style. He was initially introduced as a successor to Charlie Parker as saxophone kingpin. After touring and recording with Miles Davis. Adderley started his own quintet. After several years of serious jazz, the quintet settled into a more commercially palatable type of music.

    Phenix is a marked improvement over the astrological banalities which filled Adderley's last three efforts, even though it is old material. Keyboardists George Duke and Mike Wolff, a long with percussionist Airto. provide texture and an openness lo standard Adderley quintet cuts such as "Sack O'Woe," "Jive Samba." and "Walk Tall." Perhaps with a miracle we will be able to hear a possible new direction tor Cannonball Adderley and his quintet.

                   ---Ellis E. Confer