Sam Jones – The Soul Society

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow

Bassist Sam Jones' debut as a leader resulted in one of his finest recordings. On four of the eight selections on the CD reissue of his Riverside set, Jones is well featured on bass while the other four numbers find him playing very effective cello. The uncredited arrangements for the groups are uniformly excellent and there is solo space for cornetist Nat Adderley, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, Jimmy Heath on tenor, baritonist Charles Davis, and pianist Bobby Timmons. The repertoire is superior, too, with highlights including the debut of Adderley's "The Old Country," a fine jam on "Just Friends," Keter Betts' "Some Kinda Mean," Jones' bowing on "Home," and Bobby Timmons' "So Tired." Actually all eight selections are memorable on this highly recommended disc.

Sam Jones
The Soul Society Riverside Records RLP 1172 Vinyl, LP, Album US 1960 00:00 A1 Some Kinda Mean 05:48 A2 All Members 10:00 A3 The Old Country 16:07 A4 Just Friends 20:18 B1 "Home" 25:32 B2 Deep Blue Cello 30:28 B3 There Is No Greater Love 34:09 B4 So Tired Baritone Saxophone – Charles Davis Bass – Keter Betts (tracks: A1, A4, B2, B3), Sam Jones (tracks: A2, A3, B1, B4) Cello – Sam Jones (tracks: A1, A4, B2, B3) Cornet – Nat Adderley (tracks: A1, A4, B2, B3) Drums – Louis Hayes Piano – Bobby Timmons Tenor Saxophone – Jimmy Heath Trumpet – Blue Mitchell (tracks: A2, A3, B1, B4) Recorded on March 8 and 10, 1960 in New York