Customer Reviews

Mr Shing a Ling

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This album is from 1967 same year as Lou recorded the classic "Alligator Bogaloo" and this album stands the comparison with the Bogaloo album. The only change here is that George Benson was replaced by a young Jimmy Ponder..this was actually the first time I heard Ponder when I bought the original vinyl version in 1969.Ponder is still ,sadly enough, quite unknown to the big audience..his playing here is extremely pleasing and he "lifts" the sometimes to often played "The shadow of your smile" to another level with a beautiful solo.
Idris Muhammad is recorded slightly more upfront than on the other albums which gives this recording some extra pulse and groove.Blue Mitchell on trumpet has that laid back bounce that give his solos that "lift" .
Lou and Dr Lonnie just simply groove along with the other guys.

Lou Donaldson's Mr. Shing-A-Ling is his best CD from 1967. every
song on the cd is great. But my favorite is the instrumental "The Kid" with its smooth ogran solo and lou's alto
sax solo, this ten minute instrumental is a sure hit to groove
to. An all-tme classic. A CD by Donaldson you must add to your
collection.

3 1/2


Fine example of how to make modest compositions groove with integrity merely by injecting some personality into the rhythm.