Gravy Train [Original recording remastered, Import]

Lou Donaldson | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 2000)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered, Import
• Label: Blue Note Japan
• ASIN: B00000JXLS
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,630,714 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Gravy Train

2. South of the Border

3. Polka Dots and Moonbeams

4. Avalon

5. Candy

6. Twist Time

7. The Glory of Love

8. Gravy Train [Alternate Take][#][*]

9. The Glory of Love [Alternate Take][#][*]

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hop on the "Gravy Train", December 12, 2007

By 

Michael B. Richman (Portland, Maine USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gravy Train (Reis) (Audio CD)

Of all the Blue Note Mosaic boxes I own, the one that I was most reluctant to initially purchase was probably the Lou Donaldson set. The alto saxman had always struck me as a player constantly looking for crossover commercial success, and not interested in playing "real" jazz. And while his late 60s forays into boogaloo funk may have justified some of my unfounded claims, I realized after finally picking up "The Complete Blue Note Lou Donaldson Sessions 1957-60" that the man could flat out play some great soulful jazz! The April 28, 1961 session "Gravy Train" (yes, the Mosaic title is misleading), is a shining example of that style. Generally, the organ trio setting yielded the most funky jazz of the period, but Lou's employment of a standard rhythm trio with a conga player, resulted in fresh grooves of equal power. In this instance, it is conga player Alec Dorsey, and pianist and frequent collaborator Herman Foster (who also played on Lou's Blues Walk and three other sessions currently unavailable in the US as single titles), joining the formidable rhythm duo of Ben Tucker on bass and Dave Bailey on drums -- check those two out on Grant Green's Green Street (see my review). This quintet certainly gets the groove going, though I personally prefer the intricate playing of Ray Barreto on congas (who partnered with LD on 5 sessions during this period) to that of Dorsey. Of all the sessions captured on that Mosaic set, "Gravy Train" would not have been my first choice for single CD reissue (that would be "Midnight Sun" or "Wailing with Lou"), but it is a great album to have back in print nonetheless.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Classic Blue Note, March 16, 2008

By 

Jazzo (Central Europe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gravy Train (Reis) (Audio CD)

I must admit I am a huge fan of this kind of jazz that was recorded in the 50's and 60's: straightforward, no punch-in edits, no overdubbing. Effectively most albums were recorded as full takes (thus the inclusion of alternative takes on many CD reissues such as this one) from beginning to end and thus are more of a "live" performance--except sans audience (and distracting applause).

This album fits the above description--nice, listenable jazz for times when you want to relax, reflect and enjoy music. Very highly recommended.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good playing - poor material, February 8, 2001

By 

Dr.D.Treharne (Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Gravy Train (Audio CD)

The trouble with having a jukebox hit is that your record company expect you to come up with another hit every album."Blues Walk" had given Donaldson a wider audience, and this was another attempt to record that elusive hit."Gravy Train" appearing here in two versions, was meant to fit the bill, and it's the strongest of the tracks from the set. "The Glory of love" (also here in two versions) is passable,but whoever chose the rest of the tracks relied too heavily on old and not very imaginative standards. The band does its best to redress the balance. It's a good Donaldson performance, and Herman Foster lends good piano support to the horn player. There's neat drum work from Dave Bailey ( former Mulligan sidesman) though the appearance of Alec Dorsey on congas seems like an attempt to beef up the weak material.There are other Donaldson performances that you ought to buy ahead of this - perhaps starting with that album "Blues Walk"