The Bebop Shop
Info Search View Cart Checkout Send Mail


Lou Donaldson: Blues Walk (Vinyl LP: Blue Note)Lou Donaldson: Blues Walk (Vinyl LP: Blue Note)
Lou Donaldson had already been at the helm of seven Blue Note sessions by the time he made his undisputed masterpiece Blues Walk in 1958. The alto saxophonist quickly became a fixture on the Blue Note scene after he first played on a Milt Jackson date in 1952 with sideman appearance on sessions led by Thelonious Monk, Art Blakey, and Jimmy Smith, as well as a co-led date with Clifford Brown. On Blues Walk, Donaldson reconvened the line-up from his 1957 album Swing and Soul with Herman Foster on piano, Peck Morrison on bass, Dave Bailey on drums, and Ray Barretto on congas. The excellent six-song set yielded one of his most memorable themes with the cool struttin’ title track, a laid-back minor blues that opens the album with a standout performance by the leader. Donaldson keeps it bluesy on his tune “Play Ray,” showcases his bop chops on uptempo numbers like "Denzil Best’s “Move” and his own “Callin’ All Cats,” and delivers stunning renditions of the standards “Autumn Nocturne” and “The Masquerade Is Over.”

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. (Blue Note Records) 


Price:  £25.99 


Lou Donaldson: Here 'Tis (CD: Blue Note RVG)
This January 1961 session was Lou Donaldson’s first with an organ trio. With the exception of Gershwin’s “A Foggy Day,” this album consists of strictly the blues in all its variety. Donaldson, ever the talent scout, also introduces the formidable jazz talents of St. Louis guitarist Grant Green and Chicago organist Baby Face Willette the jazz world. Both would make their Blue Note debut albums within a week of the exciting, soulful session. (Blue Note Records) 


Price:  £8.99 

Lou Donaldson: Here 'Tis (CD: Blue Note RVG)


Lou Donaldson: Good Gracious! (Vinyl LP: Blue Note)Lou Donaldson: Good Gracious! (Vinyl LP: Blue Note)
1963 soul-jazz session with Lou Donaldson, alto sax; Grant Green, guitar; John Patton, organ & Ben Dixon, drums.

Limited edition high-definition 180g vinyl stereo LP.  


Price:  £25.99 


Lou Donaldson: Gravy Train (CD: Blue Note RVG)
A fine, relaxed set from the alto man, very almost the equal of the classic 'Blues Walk' set, with an infectiously sunny reading of 'South Of The Border', which proves that the Donaldson alto could still play straight-ahead bop in addition to the soul-jazz and blues he so regularly produced. His 'Polka Dots And Moonbeams' is beautifully managed and though the two added alternate takes don't add much to what we had already, this is as good an example of Donaldson's art.  


Price:  £8.99 

Lou Donaldson: Gravy Train (CD: Blue Note RVG)


Lou Donaldson: Alligator Bogaloo (Vinyl LP: Blue Note)Lou Donaldson: Alligator Bogaloo (Vinyl LP: Blue Note)
Alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson scored a hit with “Alligator Bogaloo,” the jaunty and memorable lead cut and title track of his 1967 soul jazz classic, but the album brims with funky grooves from start to finish with the breezy “Aw Shucks,” rollicking “Rev. Moses,” and the sinuous minimalism of “One Cylinder.” Alligator Bogaloo marked the beginning of a fruitful and long-running collaboration between Lou and organ master Dr. Lonnie Smith, with the stellar band also featuring the young guitar star George Benson, influential drummer Leo Morris (aka Idris Muhammad), and cornetist Melvin Lastie.

This Classic Vinyl Edition is all-analog, mastered by Kevin Gray from the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal. (Blue Note Records) 


Price:  £25.99 


Lou Donaldson: The Natural Soul (CD: Blue Note RVG)
One of the first albums with the great Green-Patton-Dixon rhythm section, this soulful album introduced John Patton’s Funky Mama which remains a staple among blues bands. The extended Sow Belly Blues is sublime Lou. (Blue Note Records) 


Price:  £8.99 

Lou Donaldson: The Natural Soul (CD: Blue Note RVG)

Info Search View Cart Checkout Send Mail

Can't find the item you're looking for? We'll search it out for you. Call us on +44(0)116 288 5788