What Is This Thing Called Soul?

Cannonball Adderley's 1984 release, 'What Is This Thing Called Soul?', is a captivating live album that showcases the quintet's exceptional jazz prowess. Recorded during their European tour, this six-track masterpiece features an impressive blend of hard bop, soul jazz, and bebop, with hints of cool jazz and jazz blues.

The album kicks off with the enchanting 'Azul Serape', followed by the energetic 'Big P', and the soulful 'One For Daddy-O'. The quintet's rendition of Cole Porter's 'What Is This Thing Called Love' is a standout track, with Cannonball Adderley's saxophone weaving a mesmerising melody. The album also features the hypnotic 'The Chant' and the brief yet infectious 'Cannonball's Theme'.

With a duration of 42 minutes, 'What Is This Thing Called Soul?' is a concise yet impactful collection of jazz classics. Released on the Original Jazz Classics label, this album is a testament to Cannonball Adderley's skill as a performer and his ability to craft captivating live recordings. Featuring a talented lineup, including Nat Adderley, Victor Feldman, Sam Jones, and Louis Hayes, this quintet delivers a truly unforgettable listening experience. 'What Is This Thing Called Soul?' is an essential addition to any jazz enthusiast's collection, and a must-listen for fans of Cannonball Adderley's incredible discography.

Cannonball Adderley, born Julian Edwin Adderley, was a titan of the jazz world, renowned for his powerful and soulful alto saxophone playing. Emerging in the 1950s, Adderley became a key figure in the hard bop movement, known for his exhilarating performances and innovative approach to jazz. His career was marked by collaborations with some of the genre's greatest names, including Miles Davis, with whom he recorded the classic album "Somethin' Else." Adderley's distinctive sound and charismatic stage presence made him a beloved figure in jazz, and his fusion of jazz and soul music resulted in crossover hits like "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy." Throughout his career, Adderley's music was characterized by its exuberance and melodic depth, making him one of the most influential and popular jazz musicians of his era. His legacy endures through his extensive discography, which spans from the mid-1950s to the mid-1970s, and includes a diverse range of styles and formats.