LOU DONALDSON - Lou Takes Off (1957-2008) RM | MONO | RVG Edition | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

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. [An edition remastered by Rudy Van Gelder was issued in 2008.] Lee Bloom
Tracklist :
1     Sputnik 10:05
Lou Donaldson    
2     Dewey Square 7:16
Charlie Parker    
3     Strollin' In 14:34
Lou Donaldson    
4     Groovin' High 6:22
Dizzy Gillespie
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Bass – Jamil Nasser
Drums – Art Taylor
Piano – Sonny Clark
Recorded By [Recording Engineer], Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Trombone – Curtis Fuller
Trumpet – Donald Byrd