Mercy Mercy Mercy

Alto man Cannonball Adderley and his band offer a riveting blend of post bop calisthenics and soul-jazz grooves. Joe Zawinul's famous title track, with it's hypnotic, gospel-drenched funkiness, was a crossover top 10 pop hit, as well as an astonishing exercise in restraint for Zawinul, who somehow resists the urge to dig in on his electric piano, instead opting for a deep, mellow mood. The rest of the album cooks, with Cannonball, brother Nat on cornet, and Zawinul supplying the heat.