It isn't too difficult to understand why
MFSL considered this album to be a worthy candidate for an
Ultradisc reissue -- aside from
Cannonball Adderley, you have a lineup that includes
Miles Davis,
Hank Jones,
Sam Jones, and
Art Blakey. This is a group that could take on a
Barry Manilow number and turn it into a
jazz masterpiece.
MFSL have done the purchaser a favor, too, by including an additional track that was left off the original album. This sixth track,
"Alison's Uncle," closes out
Somethin' Else on a high note, changing the flow of energy in an interesting way (purists can still finish up on a quieter note, as with the original, by programming
"Dancing in the Dark" as the final track). In many ways it's a surprise that this track was left off originally -- it's an excellent piece, with
Adderley and
Davis trading licks and solos while
Jones and
Blakey keep pace.
Blakey also takes some terrific solos. The remastering job is the usual superb
MFSL effort, producing clear sound with almost no background noise. Due to the original recording (made in 1958),
Davis' trumpet sometimes seems a little shrill and metallic, but it's not an overwhelming problem -- certainly not when you consider
Davis' style. Altogether, an excellent addition to any
jazz collection. [This
RVG edition corrects the name of the bonus track
"Alison's Uncle" that appeared on earlier CD editions; the correct title of this track is
"Bangoon."] ~ Steven McDonald
![Monk's Dream [Expanded]](http://prodimage.images-bn.com/pimages/0074646353622_p0_v2_s90x140.jpg "Monk's Dream [Expanded]")
