Spontaneous Combustion: The Explosive Cannonball Adderley

This valuable set features altoist Cannonball Adderley's first recordings, cut just days after the unknown had greatly impressed musicians when he sat in with Oscar Pettiford's group at the Cafe Bohemia. He is quite impressive throughout, holding his own in an all-star octet led by drummer Kenny Clarke with trumpeter Donald Byrd, brother Nat on cornet, Jerome Richardson on reeds, and pianist Horace Silver. The second half of the set is the first of many quintet dates he led with Nat. This near-classic music is highlighted by "Bohemia After Dark," Nat's feature on "We'll Be Together Again," "A Little Taste," and the title cut.