American cornetist, trumpeter, composer of jazz standard ‘Work Song’, and brother of the more successful “Cannonball”, Nat Adderley was an important figure in 1950s and 1960s jazz. He remained close to his sibling throughout his career, despite living in his shadow for most of his life. But Nat’s contributions to the development of hard bop and soul jazz across this period were immense, and he remains one of the few masters of jazz cornet. Adderley featured on the albums of many esteemed players, not least those of his brother, but also recordings by Oliver Nelson, Wynton Kelly, Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, J.J. Johnson, Sonny Rollins, Wes Montgomery and King Curtis. However, his finest work came when leading his own groups, particularly during the period covered by this compilation.
