Cannonball Adderley put his soulful signature on the language of jazz
By 2022/07/21
Cannonball Adderley
Credit:Dave Brinkman / Anefo / Wikimedia Commons
The Artistry of… Cannonball Adderley
Sometimes I imagine jazz to be a language we all have forgotten in a moment, but that we all know how to speak. Then I see the reaction of an audience, excited by the sharing and conveyance of that language, and I know in that moment that the language is immediately, and collectively, understood. It’s not magic. It’s a human sweetness called communication.
Cannonball Adderley’s ways of music excite. I defy you to try to shut the door to your soul as the notes Adderley made, like words in language, come knocking, resonating, and teasing.
Adderley was a fusion master, ahead of the popular — and, much later, academically recognized — fusion era of jazz. He stirred soul and gospel together with R&B and lent the delicious concoction to hard bop like no one else.
A signature, adding lingo to the already exciting and ever evolving language. A language once heard, immediately understood. The reaction? That’s easy: a collective recognition.
About The Artistry of…
The Artistry of… is a weekly series that reflects on the passion and essence of an artist. It airs Wednesday evenings on Dinner Jazz with John Devenish, made possible with the support of Yamaha Canada.
Share
Our site uses cookies to tailor your experience, measure site performance and present relevant donation incentives and advertisements. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. To read our privacy and cookies policy, please click here.