He was born in 1926 and lived to be just 98 years old, having played in public well into his 80s. Donaldson was an alto saxophonist who began his career as a disciple of Charlie Parker, with whom he played, but, as part of the group of young players recruited to Blue Note Records in the 1950s he developed a more soulful sound. In the hour-long tribute to his music, we sample that great era of jazz, “Hard Bop” in which Donaldson was so important.
Track list for The Hot Box #136 - In Memory of Lou Donaldson
- Watusi Jump: Lou Donaldson: “Here ’Tis"
- Hipty Hop: Lou Donaldson: “A Man with a Horn”
- Spaceman Twist: Lou Donaldson “The Natural Soul”
- Wee Dot: Art Blakey: “A Night at Birdland Volume Two”
- Alligator Boogaloo: Lou Donaldson “The Scorpion”
- Polka Dots and Moonbeams: Lou Donaldson “Gravy Train”
- The Sermon: Jimmy Smith: Blue Note “The Sermon”
All tracks are on the Blue Note Records label.
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About The Hot Box: The Hot Box celebrates the best of Irish jazz within the global jazz tradition. Our focus is on accessibility and pure enjoyment, drawing listeners from far beyond Ireland's shores. We are always on the lookout for new recordings by Irish artists or Irish-inspired works. If you have any suggestions or recordings to share, please get in touch!
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