This fine Riverside debut by
Adderley was cut just a few months after the alto saxophonist had contributed to
Miles Davis' stellar Milestones release. Joining
Adderley for the six tracks here are fellow
Davis alumni
Philly Joe Jones on drums and
Bill Evans on piano. These three are augmented by the wonderful and often-underrated
Blue Mitchell on trumpet and the equally illustrious
Sam Jones on bass. Everyone is in top form on a varied set that takes in two
Adderley originals (the fine ballad "Straight Life" and "A Little Taste"), a classic
Gigi Gryce number ("Minority"), and
Miles' oft-covered "Nardis." Filling out the program, we have a rare
Sam Jones-penned cut, "Blue Funk," and a lone standard in the Rogers & Hammerstein chestnut from Oklahoma, "People Will Say We're in Love." One of the highlights from
Adderley's hard bop prime. ~ Stephen Cook