Lou Donaldson – Sunny Side Up (1961) [Analogue Productions 2011] SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Lou Donaldson – Sunny Side Up (1961) [Analogue Productions 2011]
SACD Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 44:39 minutes | Front/Rear Covers | 1,8 GB
or FLAC 2.0 (converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/96 kHz | Front/Rear Covers | 0,97 GB

Recorded in 1960, Sunny Side Up features alto master Lou Donaldson paired with a fine cadre of up-and-coming sidemen. In particular, trumpeter Bill Hardman and pianist Duke Pearson contribute a healthy dose of soul to the arrangements, which, combined with rock solid drumming from Al Harewood and tight bass work from Sam Jones and Laymon Jackson, are highlights of this particularly fine album.

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Lou Donaldson – Here ‘Tis (1960) [APO Remaster 2010] SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Lou Donaldson – Here ‘Tis (1960) [APO Remaster 2010]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 39:04 minutes | Scans included | 1,59 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Scans included | 774 MB

Here ‘Tis is in the front rank of Lou Donaldson records, an exceptionally funky soul-jazz session that finds the saxophonist swinging harder than usual. As he moves from hard bop to soul-jazz, Donaldson reveals a bluesy streak to his playing while keeping the vigorous attack that defined his best bop. Donaldson’s playing is among his finest in the soul-jazz vein, but what makes Here ‘Tis such an enjoyable session is his interaction with his supporting trio of guitarist Grant Green, organist Baby Face Willette, and drummer Dave Bailey. As support, all three know how to keep a groove gritty and flexible, following Lou’s lead and working a swinging beat that keeps flowing, never growing static. Green and Willette also have their time in the spotlight, and both musicians are frequently stunning. Green’s single-note leads are clean and inventive; Willette is rhythmic and forceful, but also capable of soulful, mellow leads on the slow blues. Their talent, combined with Donaldson at a peak, results in a terrific record.

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Lou Donaldson – Blues Walk (1958) [APO Remaster 2010] SACD ISO + Hi-Res FLAC

Lou Donaldson – Blues Walk (1958) [APO Remaster 2010]
PS3 Rip | SACD ISO | DSD64 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz | 34:12 minutes | Scans included | 1,38 GB
or FLAC(converted with foobar2000 to tracks) 24bit/88,2 kHz | Scans included | 653 MB

Lou Donaldson’s undisputed masterpiece, Blues Walk, marks the point where the altoist began to decisively modify his heavy Charlie Parker influence and add a smoky, bluesy flavor of his own. The material is still firmly in the bebop vein, and the mellower moments aren’t as sleepy as some of Donaldson’s subsequent work, so the album sounds vital and distinctive even as it slows down and loosens things up. That makes it the definitive release in Donaldson’s early, pre-soul-jazz period, but what elevates Blues Walk to classic status is its inviting warmth. Donaldson’s sweetly singing horn is ingratiating and melodic throughout the six selections, making even his most advanced ideas sound utterly good-natured and accessible. The easy-swinging title cut is a classic, arguably Donaldson’s signature tune even above his late-’60s soul-jazz hits, and his other two originals — “Play Ray” and “Callin’ All Cats” — are in largely the same vein. Elsewhere, Donaldson displays opposite extremes of his sound; the up-tempo bebop classic “Move” provokes his fieriest playing on the record, and his romantic version of “Autumn Nocturne” is simply lovely, a precursor to Lush Life. The addition of Ray Barretto on conga is a subtle masterstroke, adding just a bit more rhythmic heft to the relaxed swing. There are numerous likable records in Donaldson’s extensive catalog, but Blues Walk is the best of them all.

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Lou Donaldson – Lou Takes Off (1957) [DAD Reissue 2001] [FLAC 24bit/96kHz]

Lou Donaldson – Lou Takes Off (1957) [DAD Reissue 2001]
FLAC (tracks) 24 bit/96 kHz | Time – 38:36 minutes | 906 MB | Genre: Jazz
DAD to Hi-Res FLAC – Source: Classic Records’ DAD 1026 | No Artwork

The influence of Charlie Parker can be heard in virtually every modern jazz musician, particularly players of the alto saxophone. Although considered to be one of “Bird’s children,” Lou Donaldson absorbed and synthesized other pre-Parker influences, such as Johnny Hodges and Benny Carter. This recording marks a period in his development prior to a stylistic shift away from bop and toward a stronger rhythm and blues emphasis. Three up-tempo tunes are pure bebop; the remaining number is a medium blues in B flat, quite characteristic of the hard bop period. The front line on this set includes Donald Byrd and Curtis Fuller; the rhythm section is Sonny Clark, George Joyner, and Art Taylor. Overall, Lou Takes Off breaks no new musical ground, but it is a solid, swinging session of high-caliber playing.

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