November 28, 1936

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Drummer Roy McCurdy was born on November 28, 1936 in Rochester, New York.

McCurdy is best known for his ten-year tenure in the Cannonball Adderley Quintet, a swinging group often credited with the invention of soul jazz.

Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bud Powell are among the musicians that McCurdy has backed.

Composed by Thelonious Monk and first recorded in 1951, jazz standard “Straight, No Chaser” is maybe the most covered of the pianist’s songs. Other artists who have done covers include Oliver Nelson, Bud Powell, Miles Davis, Keith Jarrett.

Julian “Cannonball” Adderley is perhaps most famous for his ’60s single “Mercy Mercy Mercy” – and for his work with Miles Davis. His brother, cornet player Nat Adderley, also plays in this performance.

Personnel:

Cannonball Adderley, alto sax
Nat Adderley, trumpet
George Duke, piano
Walter Booker, bass
Roy McCurdy, drums

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