J.J. JOHNSON/NAT ADDERLEY
Chain Reaction (Pablo)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Chain Reaction is the second set of music released from a series of 1977 concerts in Yokohama, Japan. The first volume was released immediately after the tour, while this set sat in the vaults for over 25 years. The band consisted of the great J.J. Johnson on trombone, Nat Adderley on trumpet, Billy Childs on keyboards, Tony Dumas on bass, and Kevin Johnson drums.

The music is a mixed bag. The band tore into the classic songs "Blue 'N' Boogie" and "Walkin'", plus acquitted itself well on more modern numbers such as "Chain Reaction" and "Modaji." However, the "Song From M*A*S*H (Suicide Is Painless)" is insipid and uninspired. This song was a showcase for Childs and he didn't pull it off. Perhaps its his use of electronic keyboard and synthesizer, so prevalent in jazz from the late 1970s, but the song is filler. To hear a truly exhilarating version of this wonderful song, check out Bill Evans' interpretation.

If you are a J.J. Johnson or Nat Adderley fan, by all means purchase this cd. There are some wonderfully inspired moments throughout the eight numbers, especially on the classic "Walkin'." Johnson rarely had a bad moment on record, playing for over 50 years with a quiet dignity, tremendous inspiration, and flawless articulation that made him the best trombonist. Adderley also plays with grace and versatility, and his interplay with Johnson is deft and exciting. However, the original Yokohama Concert is the better of the two sessions.

© 2002 - Ron Saranich