LOU DONALDSON - Quartet / Quintet / Sextet (1957-1999) RM | MONO | 24 Bit By RVG | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Since Quartet/Quintet/Sextet is Lou Donaldson's first full-length album, it's not surprising that it captures the alto saxophonist at the height of his Charlie Parker influence. Throughout the album -- on CD, the collection features all the music on the 12" LP, music from its 10" incarnation, and three alternate takes -- Donaldson plays in a straight bop vein, whether on up-tempo swingers or ballads. Most of the songs on the collection are standards, with a couple of fine originals from Donaldson and pianist Horace Silver spicing the mix; in particular, Silver's rollicking, Latin-tinged "Roccus" is a standout. While Donaldson's tone isn't quite as full as it would be within just five years, he impresses with his bold, speedy technique and fine phrasing. He doesn't play anything out of the ordinary, but he plays it very, very well, and his playing is enhanced by the three stellar bands that support him on these sessions. Among his fellow musicians on Quartet/Quintet/Sextet are Silver, bassist Gene Ramey, drummer Art Taylor, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, pianist Elmo Hope, and trumpeter Kenny Dorham. Everyone plays in a straight bop and hard bop tradition, contributing fine performances to a strong debut effort by Donaldson. Stephen Thomas Erlewine  
Tracklist :
1     If I Love Again 2:41
Jack Murray / Ben Oakland    
2     Down Home 3:21
Lou Donaldson    
3     The Best Things in Life Are Free 3:26
Lew Brown / Buddy DeSylva / Ray Henderson
4     Lou's Blues 3:44
Lou Donaldson    
5     Cheek to Cheek 3:04
Irving Berlin    
6     Sweet Juice 3:32
Horace Silver    
7     The Stroller 5:38
Lou Donaldson    
8     Roccus 3:27
Horace Silver    
9     Caracas 6:02
Lou Donaldson    
10     Moe's Bluff 5:08
Elmo Hope
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Lou Donaldson
Bass – Gene Ramey, Percy Heath
Drums – Art Blakey, Arthur Taylor
Piano – Elmo Hope, Horace Silver
Recorded By [Recording By], Remastered By – Rudy Van Gelder
Trombone – Matthew Gee
Trumpet – Blue Mitchell, Kenny Dorham