"Musical 'What If?' Produces Fine Sounds"


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"Musical 'What If?' Produces Fine Sounds"
by STEVE EDDY
Orange County Register - Aug. 22, 2004

What if?

That became the musical question for veteran bassist Luther Hughes, one of the most familiar faces on the Southern California jazz scene.

At one point in their careers, saxophonists Julian "Cannonball" Adderley and John Coltrane had a brief collaboration that produced some memorable music. But their work together was short-lived, and that prompted Hughes to wonder what might have happened if they hadn't gone their separate ways.

That questioning led to the formation of a new band called the Cannonball/Coltrane Project, a gathering of top-flight musicians who render not only the tunes the two sax gienats did together but also original numbers in that vein.

"We tried to use our imagination, said Hughes, who has performed with his own share of giants, including the great Gene Harris. "What might they have done?"

It's a novel idea and a worthy tribute, and you're going to have plenty of chances to hear this potent outfit. The group will be at Kikuya on Wednesday (8/25/04) at 7:30 p.m. The band will play at the Orange County Performing Arts Center Jazz Club in January (2005). And they're in the recording studio soon.