On this episode of the Chiaroscuro Podcast, we feature trumpeter and cornetist Nat Adderley.
About Nat Adderley
Best known for his work with his older brother Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, Nat Adderley was a significant figure in jazz in his own right, and a composer of several pieces which have become jazz standards such as Work Song, Jive Sambe and Sermonette.
Nat Adderley was headed toward an academic career, majoring in psychology at Florida University, but in 1951, he spent two years in the Army and played in an Army band with his brother, and upon returning home, was recruited by Lionel Hampton, touring internationally, but still intending to pursue a career in teaching. But in a trip to New York in 1955, the Adderley Brothers sat in with bassist Oscar Pettiford and soon began to attract attention, including recording offers. The brothers formed the first Cannonball Adderley Quintet in 1956, but by 1959, Cannonball became part of Miles Davis’ seminal group who recorded the Kind of Blue album. But later, they re-formed the quintet, and helped to found the “soul jazz” movement with hits such as Mercy Mercy Mercy written by pianist Joe Zawinul who would go on to found the fusion group Weather Report.
After Cannonball’s death in 1975, Nat did some teaching at Harvard and launched his own quintet, which went through various incarnations over the years. He also was busy as a sideman, and appeared on over 100 album as either a leader or sideman.
About the Music
Nat Adderley recorded an album for Chiaroscuro in 1994 at the Floating Jazz Festival, on a cruise in the Caribbean. His group included Vincent Herring in alto sax, someone who has become a major figure on the instrument in jazz, Bob Bargad on piano, Walter Booker on bass, who was part of the Cannonball Adderley Quintet in the 1960s, and Jimmy Cobb on drums.
About The Chiaroscuro Podcast
Chiaroscuro Director of Artistry & Repertoire George Graham produces and hosts The Chiaroscuro Podcast. Explore the works of other Chiaroscuro performers in our Artists Section. Check out other episodes of the Chiaroscuro Podcast here.
