Nat Adderley Jr. Trio - Took So Long (CD)

For four decades, pianist, keyboardist, composer, musical director and arranger Nat Adderley Jr. helped craft some of Luther Vandross’ greatest hits, including “Superstar.” Adderley, the son of jazz cornetist Nat Sr. and nephew of alto saxophonist Julian “Cannonball” Adderley, now releases his first recordings as a leader and jazz pianist with the Nat Adderley Jr. Trio's debut album, “Took So Long." The title track is an intricate, Burt Bacharach style selection, and the only original song on the album. On all the tracks, Adderley's protean and profound pianism is informed by Herbie Hancock’s masterful harmony, Chick Corea’s hypnotic touch and Joe Zawinul’s earthy grooves. On Adderley's Took So Long, the pianist is also augmented by bassist Chris Berger and drummers Tommy Campbell, Dwayne Cook Broadnax and Vince Ector, playing a pleasing potpourri of standards arranged by the leader. Songs on the CD include “Old Devil Moon,” Dizzy Gillespie’s “Con Alma,” Stevie Wonder’s “You and I (We Can Conquer the World)” and Carole King’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." In tribute to Luther Vandross, Adderley released his version of “Superstar” as the lead single from the album. His fleet-fingered version of “Superstar” changes the sonic zip code of the composition from its moody aura to a festive, Brazilian samba dance. From 1981 to 2005, Adderley was an indispensable music director for Luther Vandross. Adderley’s compositions include “Stop to Love,” “Wait for Love, “Make Me a Believer,” “Other Side of The World” and the Grammy-nominated “Give Me the Reason. ”His arrangements include “Here and Now,” “So Amazing,” “If Only for One Night,” “If This World Were Mine,” “There’s Nothing Better Than Love” and “Anyone Who Had a Heart.”