In music, natural essence refers to the intrinsic qualities and characteristics of a sound or musical composition that are inherent and unadulterated by external influences or artificial modifications. It is the purest form of expression that captures the true essence of the artist’s intention and emotions. With a father like Nat Adderley, a renowned American jazz cornetist and composer, and an uncle like jazz saxophonist Julian Cannonball Adderley your life as a musician is quite a natural step.

Nat Adderley Jr. led a band called Natural Essence, which released only one album on the Fantasy label. The album is a funky masterpiece that showcases a deep and groovy horn section backed by a tight rhythm ensemble. It is bursting with complex and infectious rhythms that keep the listener moving from start to finish, demonstrating the band’s undeniable musical prowess and seamless collaboration. Notably, „The Other Side of Town“ and „Killing Time“ are remarkable evidence of 1970s jazz funk fusion. Killer album!

Stefan Mohr