Review by Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
No rating supplied
Lou Donaldson made several albums for Blue Note during different periods
during career that began in the fifties. He is a disciple of Charlie
Parker, and he immersed himself in pre-Parker influences such as Johnny
Hodges and Benny Carter before he developed into the full-fledged
leader that you will hear on "Lou Takes Off." This album was recorded
in 1957 at the very height of jazz awareness in the U.S. Donald Byrd
(trumpet), Curtis Fuller (trombone), Sonny Clark (piano), George Joyner
(bass), and Art Taylor (drums) are all part of Donaldson's spirited
band that performs on this session.
There are four songs on this recording, yet it runs over thirty-three
minutes. This is a good indication of the extent of the bop improvisation
that transpires during this session.
Donaldson is a flawless leader. He provided smooth and groove filled
alto saxophone for the other members of his group to envelope themselves
in. He is a natural born bandleader, and he proves it time and again
throughout this recording.
From the beginning of "Sputnik" to the last few notes of "Groovin'
High," this CD really swings. You don't hear Donaldson's name mentioned
in the same vein as a Davis or Coltrane, although his relevance is
genuine, and his importance to jazz music is evident on this selective
Blue Note release. The sounds project in a profound way in this DAD
format, hence making the nuances of the music more apparent than ever
before. It was an excellent jazz album to choose for this sparkling audiophile format.
1. Sputnik
2. Dewey Square
3. Srollin' In
4. Groovin' High
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