Artist: The Nat Adderly Sextet
(written and narrated by Rick Holmes)
Label: Capitol
Number: 8XW-11025
Year: 1972
Program 1
Introduction/Aries/Libra/Sagittarius
Program 2
Aquarius/Leo/Capricorn
Program 3
Gemini/Pisces/Virgo/Scorpio
Program 4
Cancer/Taurus
| Notes by Malcolm Riviera |  Intro to Soul Zodiac |
Cannonball Adderly was one of the great saxophonists of the bebop era of jazz. In the '60s he launched a new genre -- soul jazz -- whose bastard offspring "jazz rock" is all that remains of his seminal creation in today's jazz market. Nat Adderly played trumpet in his brother's combo throughout the 60s, and in the early 70s formed his own group that refined the soul jazz style.
Nat's sextet recorded this musical treatise to astrology in 1972, but had strayed far from their jazz roots by this point. This double-length tape of groovy, spaced-out bop features Rick Holmes' laid back, sexy voice over of all twelve astrological signs, with emphasis on the sexy. Astrology was just emerging from the underground in the early '70s and becoming part of the commercialization of the '60s. Soul Zodiac was probably Capitol Records' attempt to cash in on the trend with a couple of jazz artists that just weren't moving the product anymore. Cannonball and Nat's band did a series of similar projects, including "Cannonball Adderly presents Soul of the Bible." All I know is that Soul Zodiac is very close to being the ultimate black light 'n' incense mood music.
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