Sam Jones

Most bass players could only dream of the fluid tone that appeared to flow effortlessly from Sam Jones’ bass. Whether he was comping or soloing, every note came through, down to its most subtle nuances and inflections. And he was a consummate rhythm-section player. Jones began his career gigging around New York in the 1950s, landing a regular spot with the Cannonball Adderley quintet. In 1958, he played on Cannonball’s acclaimed LP, Somethin’ Else. Then, from 1960 to 1962, he enjoyed a brief but prolific career as a bandleader, recording three albums that featured him in a variety of settings. Jones was also a virtuoso cellist, and his 1960 album The Soul Society set the standard for Jazz cello playing, which has been attempted by few. In 1975, he joined Eastern Rebellion, a brilliant post-bop quartet, featuring pianist Cedar Walton. Jones died in 1981.