Nat Adderley (November 25, 1931 – January 2, 2000) was an influential American jazz cornet and trumpet player, who played an instrumental role in shaping the sound of soul jazz in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in Tampa, Florida, Nat was the younger brother of alto saxophonist Julian "Cannonball" Adderley, with whom he shared a prolific musical partnership. Discovered for his robust and blues-inflected style, Nat Adderley's career surged when he joined his brother's quintet in the late 1950s, a group that became a crucible for the blend of bebop with gospel and soul that defined a new jazz era.

While perhaps best known for his work with the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, Nat Adderley had a flourishing career in his own right with albums such as "Work Song," which became a jazz standard, and "Autumn Leaves," featuring Nat's lush playing. His discography as a leader is marked by standout releases including "On Riverside: Nat Adderley", where his compositional prowess and distinct playing are on full display. Notable tracks like "Moanin' (Radio version)" and "That's Funky" exhibit his energetic and soulful approach to jazz, while live recordings such as "Live At Memory Lane" capture the electric atmosphere of his performances. Albums like "What Is This Thing Called Soul?" signify his commitment to exploring the crossroads of jazz and soul music. Nat Adderley's legacy lives on, not only in his own recordings but also in the wider lexicon of jazz music, where his influence can still be felt today.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Hard Bop

Jazz Trumpet

Soul Jazz

Related Artists

Chet Baker

Miles Davis

Robert Glasper

Herbie Hancock

Terence Blanchard

Kamasi Washington

Esperanza Spalding

Chick Corea

Wynton Marsalis

Roy Hargrove

Clifford Brown

Freddie Hubbard

Latest Release

Mississippi Windows

Benny Golson•

Nat Adderley

Single - Released September 6, 2024