Search - Cannonball Adderley :: Why Am I Treated So Bad

Cannonball Blasts!

Richard B. Luhrs | Jackson Heights, NY United States | 07/30/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Capitol Records' recent spate of Cannonball Adderley reissues is impressively augmented by this collection, recorded in March and July of 1967. With "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" high on the pop charts, Cannonball took his sizzling quintet - with little brother Nat on cornet, Joe Zawinul on keyboards, Victor Gaskin on bass and Roy McCurdy at the skins - into Capitol's Los Angeles studios for another "live" set blending blues, funk and pop elements into the more classicist jazz of which they'd long since become acknowledged masters. The results are impressive indeed, with the Adderleys blowing at peak strength (especially on "I'm On My Way" and "The Other Side") while Zawinul - heard here on both acoustic and electric piano - dominates the title track and an extended rendition of "The Girl Next Door." One need only hear a single Cannonball Adderley album from this era to understand why he and his band commanded such respect from both critics and fans; here's hoping Capitol will see fit to keep them coming nevertheless."

The Quintet at it's peak

Enrique Torres | San Diegotitlan, Califas | 01/12/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Recorded live in the Capital studios with a lively audience in 1967, this disc features Cannonball in fine fine form with superb musicians surrounding him. Of particular note is the contribution by his brother Nat Adderly on cornet and Joe Zawinul on accoustic and electric piano. This is high energy jazz with a funky swinging feel. "Mini Mama" is a uptempo burner than sears a vicious groove like many other tracks. There is a lot of talk in the introductions of the songs that are usually informative. Take for example, the introduction to the title track, "Why Am I Treated So Bad" where Cannoball informs us that it was written by Robuck Staples, the leader and patriarch of the Staple Singers. It is a groovy "soft," funky number that gets you swaying to the rhythm. It is a rather catching and infectious tune that still sounds good after all these years. A song written by Nat Adderly is entitled "The Other Side " and written to "appease the sentiments of the extraordinary hippie." It is a hard driving number that allows for nice improvisation by the band; each takes a cue for a solo to extend the interplay. "The Girl Next Door" features a muted horn for that cool jazz swing reminiscent of Miles with nice sax work by Cannonball. An underrated player that was a giant behind the horn, Cannonball Adderly created melodic jazz that was funky and smooth at once. There is plenty of bang for the buck as the CD is one hour long. Recommended as a nice addition to any jazz collection."