The comparisons with
Cannonball's quintet are inevitable, in part because of the title tune, in part because
Adderley's quintet performs the same kind of earthy, blues-drenched repertoire, and finally because of the incendiary playing of alto saxophonist
Vincent Herring. The saxophonist was a good fit with the trumpeter, and by the time of this recording,
Adderly was at the peak of his powers, as capable on ballads as on the fast pieces.
Adderly was an underrated performer, in the shadows of
Cannonball, but as he shows on this set, he could blow with the best. Subtlety and nuance may not be his strengths, but he could light up a crowd with verve and energy.
Jimmy Cobb kicks hard on drums and
Walter Booker shines on bass, but pianist
Rob Bargard contributes a merely average performance. ~ Steven Loewy
