The story behind puzzle No. 33
Nat Adderley · Work Song · Riverside · 1960
As a boy in Florida, Nat Adderley watched a chain gang paving the street outside his house, singing as they worked. Years later, that memory became one of the great soul jazz tunes.
Adderley recorded Work Song for Riverside in New York in January 1960. He played cornet, and the album's lineup included guitarist Wes Montgomery and pianist Bobby Timmons, in groups ranging from a trio to a sextet. Nat's big brother was alto saxophonist Cannonball Adderley.
Singer Oscar Brown Jr. co-wrote a vocal version with lyrics, released in 1961 on his album Sin & Soul. The slow, heavy beat still sounds like people working in rhythm.
Who's on it
Keep listening
Play Mercy, Mercy, Mercy, puzzle No. 16, to hear Nat in his brother Cannonball's band.
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