Julian
Seine Improvisationstechnik in der Zeit seines Schaffens bei Miles Davis
Cannonball Adderley's stylistic development from 1957-59, during his co-operation with Miles Davis is the central theme of this article about the musician's improvisation techniques, which is accompanied by a number of transcriptions.
The versatility in relation to rhythm and melody, phrase building and motivic work, the use of Blue Notes and alterations, illustrate Cannonball Adderley's individual musical style and reveal him as one of Hard Bop's top alto saxophone players. Adderley was not an innovator as was Miles Davis, who since 1947 up until the present has been on the front line of developments in jazz: Together with him, however, he undertook the introduction of so-called modal playing, which Davis was the first to consequently make use of.
The rhythmic density of Adderley's playing is evident in all pieces from that time. The melodic structures set their focal points on the material of tone alternated chords; the use of thirds as the constructive element of his harmonies points to a conventional attitude towards playing.
In conclusion, it can be shown that Adderley, during his time with Miles Davis, did not undergo any major stylistic change, but matured his own personal style to its highest level.