Customer Reviews

Good Gracious (24bt) (Mlps)

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lou Donaldson made a lot of fine recordings since the 50's. I especially love this album. Lou is at his best, playing the blues, the bossa nova (Caracas), the gospel (superb Holy Ghost) and a nice ballad (Don't worry). This is also my favorite John Patton album as he has several wonderful solos with big chords.

While some jazz artists were busy emphasizing the intellectual side of jazz - explorations in how to push an envelope, if you will - several artists were just turning out good listening music - music that has feeling and soul rather than modes and harmonics. Several of these artists are on this CD, and man, do they play well together.

Lou Donaldson on tenor, Grant Green on guitar, John Patton on organ and Doanld Bailey on drums. A good combo that makes its way by playing simply and melodically while listening and responding to eachother. This is evidenced on several tracks here: from the multi-dynamic gospel tune "Holy Ghost" to the jovial casual stroll of "Cherry." But really, all the tunes on here are quite listenable, hummable, and captivating.

Like most music of the "Soul Jazz" variety, there is not much here that will knock the socks off of anyone looking for Charlie Parker runs and Thelonius Monk off-ness. What we haev here is good, fun, listening music. These guys can play in a whole different way. Melodicism is the name of teh game here.

Enjoy with a toe-tap and a smile.

Fans of Grant Green will want to own this one, as will fans of Lou Donaldson of course. Not the best place to start if you are looking to get into this devotee of Charlie Parker-turned organ combo alto saxophonist. Blues Walk or Best of (on Blue Note) earn that distinction.

Wow. This set from masters, Lou Donaldson, Big John Patton, Ben Dixon, and Grant Green is truely killer. Tasty swinging grooves abound and nearly ever song is worth listening to over and over. I love this disc, and I would bet you will too.