I don’t think I’ve ever heard a Lou Donaldson performance I didn’t like. On record, in person, as a leader or sideman, Donaldson never fails to swing soulfully. Among the alto saxophonists who emerged after Charlie Parker had defined the new way of playing the instrument, Donaldson remains the most blues-oriented keeper of the flame.
Yesterday was Lou’s 89th birthday, and he’s still going strong. Here he is playing his classic original “Blues Walk” with organist Jimmy Smith, guitarist Kenny Burrell, and drummer Grady Tate.
This complete set by Lou with Dr. Lonnie Smith and guitarist Randy Johnston includes several of the down home tunes he’s recorded over the years for Blue Note.