“The Soul Society” is an album by Sam Jones, recorded on March 8 and 10, 1960, at Reeves Sound Studios, New York, and originally released on Riverside Records (RLP 12-324). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-079) revives this record with remastering that emphasizes Jones’s bass depth. The lineup features Sam Jones (bass), Nat Adderley (cornet), Bobby Timmons (piano), Jimmy Cobb (drums), and rotating horns: Blue Mitchell (trumpet), Jimmy Heath (tenor saxophone), Charles Davis (baritone saxophone). The album includes Jones’s originals like Some Kinda Mean and standards such as All Members. The music is hard bop with soul-jazz elements, with Jones’s bass taking a lead role, supporting vibrant horn solos. The Jazz Workshop reissue is valued for its clarity and bass focus. “The Soul Society” is a vivid showcase of Jones’s leadership and hard-bop contribution.
Sam Jones (November 12, 1924 – December 15, 1981) was an American bassist and composer, a vital figure in hard bop. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he began playing bass in the Army, becoming a sought-after musician in 1950s New York. Jones worked with Cannonball Adderley, Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson, but was especially renowned with Adderley’s quintet, where his powerful, swinging bass anchored hits like Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. His style featured a deep tone and impeccable timing, making him an ideal accompanist and leader. As a leader, he recorded several albums for Riverside, showcasing his compositional talent. He died at 57, leaving a legacy as one of his era’s finest bassists.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. Some Kinda Mean (Keter Betts) 5:49
2. All Members (Jimmy Heath) 4:11
3. The Old Country (Nat Adderley) 6:05
4. Just Friends (Lewis-Kleener, arr: Jimmy Heath) 4:13
Side Two:
1. Home (Julian Adderley) 5:13
2. Deep Blue Cello (Sam Jones) 4:57
3. There Is No Greater Love (Symes-Jones) 3:41
4. So Tired (Bobby Timmons) 6:17
Personnel:
Personnel on Side A:
Nat Adderley (cornet on #1,4), Blue Mitchell (trumpet on #2,3), Jimmy Heath (tenor sax), Charles Davis (baritone sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), Keter Betts (bass on #1,4), Sam Jones (cello on 1,4; bass on #2,3), Louis Hayes (drums).
Personnel on Side B:
Nat Adderley (cornet on #2,3), Blue Mitchell (trumpet on #1, 4), Jimmy Heath (tenor sax), Charles Davis (baritone sax), Bobby Timmons (piano), Keter Betts (bass on #2, 3), Sam Jones (cello on 2, 3; bass on #1, 4), Louis Hayes (drums).
Recorded at Reeves Sound Studios, New York City, March 8 (Side A #1, 4, Side B #2, 3) and 10 (Side A #2, 3, Side B #1, 4), 1960
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