Cannonball Adderley Alto Sax Solo on “Hurricane Connie”

Here is a saxophone solo transcription of Cannonball Adderley demolishing the changes to “I Got Rhythm” in his typical, incendiary style. “Hurricane Connie” is the tune, and it’s a an alto saxophone tour de force for Cannon. Click on the images to enlarge them.

In an interview between Tim Price and Nat Adderley in Tim’s book of solo transcriptions, The Julian Cannonball Adderley Collection, Nat had this to

say of his brother: “Cannon could really play the saxophone so well that it was never a problem for him to play something that he heard. Whatever he heard in his head, he could execute.”

Undoubtedly. Cannonball heard a lot in his head, and it all came out with remarkable cleanness. His technique was impeccable but always warm and human; precise but never mechanical. “Hurricane Connie” is a prime example. Get this one under your fingers and watch your own technique loosen up.