
Lou Donaldson - Lou Takes Off
Referencia: MMBST-84591
Marca: Music Matters Jazz
2 LP 45 rpm, remastered Steve Hoffman and Kevin Gray
Descripción
When Lou Donaldson emerged in the early 1950s, virtually every young
alto-saxophonist sounded like a close relative of Charlie Parker. While
Bird would always be an influence on him, Donaldson (who is still
playing very well these days at age 82) had his own approach to playing
jazz, and he quickly became instantly recognizable as a more soulful and
bluesy player, one who was nicknamed "Sweet Lou." Donaldson could
always play bebop with the best but he also loves to caress ballads and
to really dig deep into the blues. Lou Takes Off from 1957 matches
Donaldson with other young greats (including trumpeter Donald Byrd,
trombonist Curtis Fuller and pianist Sonny Clark) for a pair of bop
standards and two originals including the lowdown blues "Strolling In."
All of the musicians would have significant careers and it is
fascinating to hear them at this early stage, particularly the already
brilliant Lou Donaldson, who shows off his ability to infuse every note
he played with the blues.