Louis Hayes & the Cannonball Legacy Band pay tribute to the drummer's late employer by exploring a number of songs that he recorded while working with
Cannonball Adderley. The veteran is in great form, joined by alto saxophonist
Vincent Herring, trumpeter
Jeremy Pelt, pianist
Rick Germanson, and bassist
Vicente Archer. The music doesn't focus on any one edition of
Adderley's band, but delves into music the alto saxophonist recorded during the early '60s.
Hayes' crop of Young Lions opens with an explosive take of "What Is This Thing Called Love?," delves with gusto into
Bobby Timmons' soul-jazz hit "Dat Dere" and
Nat Adderley's spiritual-flavored "Work Song," and delivers a playful performance of "Fiddler on the Roof," the latter tune showcasing the leader's effective solo. No effort is made to mimic
Adderley's style or the sidemen who played alongside him, though it is clear that all the musicians are enjoying themselves throughout these sessions.