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The Soul Society is the debut album by bassist and cellist Sam Jones featuring performances recorded in early 1960 and originally released on the Riverside label.

AllMusic Review by Scott Yanow:
Bassist Sam Jones’ debut as a leader resulted in one of his finest recordings. On four of the eight selections on the CD reissue of his Riverside set, Jones is well featured on bass while the other four numbers find him playing very effective cello. The uncredited arrangements for the groups are uniformly excellent and there is solo space for cornetist Nat Adderley, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, Jimmy Heath on tenor, baritonist Charles Davis, and pianist Bobby Timmons. The repertoire is superior, too, with highlights including the debut of Adderley’s “The Old Country,” a fine jam on “Just Friends,” Keter Betts’ “Some Kinda Mean,” Jones’ bowing on “Home,” and Bobby Timmons’ “So Tired.” Actually all eight selections are memorable on this highly recommended disc (http://www.allmusic.com/album/the-soul-society-mw0000276240).

Track listing:
“Some Kinda Mean” (Keter Betts) – 5:49
“All Members” (Jimmy Heath) – 4:11
“The Old Country” (Nat Adderley) – 6:05
“Just Friends” (John Klenner, Sam M. Lewis) – 4:13
“Home” (Cannonball Adderley) – 5:13
“Deep Blue Cello” (Sam Jones) – 4:57
“There Is No Greater Love” (Isham Jones, Marty Symes) – 3:41
“So Tired” (Bobby Timmons) – 6:17

Personnel:
Sam Jones – bass (tracks 2, 3, 5 & 8), cello (tracks 1, 4, 6 & 7)
Nat Adderley – cornet (tracks 1, 4, 6 & 7)
Blue Mitchell – trumpet (tracks 2, 3, 5 & 8)
Jimmy Heath – tenor saxophone
Charles Davis – baritone saxophone
Bobby Timmons – piano
Keter Betts – bass (tracks 1, 4, 6 & 7)
Louis Hayes – drums

Released: 1960
Recorded: March 8 & 10, 1960
New York City
Length: 40:26
Label: Riverside
RLP 12-324
Producer: Orrin Keepnews