Search - Cannonball Adderley :: Inside Straight

Inside Straight -- I'll Fold

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 08/10/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

""Inside Straight" is a far cry from the classic jazz Cannonball made with the Miles Davis Sextet, or as a leader on "Somethin' Else," "Know What I Mean?" and "In San Francisco." This album is more funk than jazz, and when it does attempt the latter it is a foray into the then new electric variety pioneered by his former boss. Unfortunately, Adderley's efforts here come up far short of Miles' "Bitches Brew" and early 70s works. The funk songs, the title track and "Snakin' The Grass" are also mediocre, sounding like a poor man's cross between "Headhunters" and early Kool & the Gang. DJs looking for good samples will love this -- the title track even has a pre-Fat Boys human-beatbox part (!) -- but jazz fans should stick with the late 50s/early 60s material."

Yes, but!

E. Macomber | New Bern, NC United States | 02/15/2009

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have to agree with the general text of the earlier review, with one exception. Any lover of latin/Brazilian rhythms will love Saudade. This one alone makes the album worth the price of admission. Adderley was getting into his 'funk' stage, as was almost everyone trying to feed the family and play jazz, but he still held to his jazz roots. A far cry from the "milked down" pop tunes discs that so many of his peers were doing at this time. Sadly you need to get the whole enchilada here to get this one cut, but trust a true Brazilian jazz freak..Saudade swings and delivers!"