Lou Donaldson – Blues Walk – Blue Note/ Analogue Productions ST-81593 – 1958 (Distr. by Harmonia mundi) – Stereo-only SACD, 34:21 ****½:
(Lou Donaldson, alto sax; Herman Foster, piano, “Peck” Morrison, bass; Dave Bailey, drums; Ray Barretto, congas)
Lou Donaldson is still carrying the torch for the classic Blue Note sound-that combines the funk sweet marriage of bluesy hard bop with the gospel influence of soul jazz. Though Donaldson no longer records for Blue Note, he should still earn a paycheck from the label as he still constantly tours and keeps the Blue Note flame alive after some 50 years has passed. When Lou played in Portland last year, he stated in an artist’s conversation, that if you can’t seriously play the blues that in his mind you are not a true jazz musician.
Lou had a formula in the late 50s and early 60s of playing in a piano quartet, and occasionally adding a percussionist, often times, Ray Barretto. Most of his CDs are somewhat predictable, comprising of a bit of bop, but primarily blues-based ballads, and funky back beat driven soul jazz excursions. Donaldson’s niche is his sensuous tone, his humorous stories, and his dependability on being an entertainer that like Johnny Hodges, making it look so easy.
One of Lou’s classic compositions that he plays at nearly every show is Blues Walk. It is the title cut on the album of the same name, an issue that defines the LD Sound. As part of Analogue Productions’ SACD release program from the Blue Note vault, it was just a matter of time for Blues Walk to join the most noted releases from Lee Morgan, Dexter Gordon, Art Blakey, Hank Mobley et al.
When reviewing these SACD releases, the big question has to be whether the premium for a Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman mastering is worth your hard-earned dough. Is the SACD issue a worthwhile improvement over a RVG remastering, or a Blue Note Connoisseur issue complete with color Francis Wolff session photos? Does the SACD pass the sound test?
Well, in the case of Blues Walk, I’d have to say that if you have the equipment to take advantage of a superb hi-res disc such as Blues Walk brings, then spend the dough.
This Analogue Productions SACD is crystal clear, with a big soundstage. Spike up the volume a bit and appreciate Herman Foster’s blues lines, Dave Bailey’s tip tap cymbals and especially Ray Barretto’s congas, where you can feel the conga’s skins snap. “Peck” Morrison’s walking bass is a tad distant but “woody” nevertheless.
Move does, as Lou still influenced by Bird goes off on a tear. Dave Bailey keeps pace, as Foster comps ably until his solo shows off his own bop credentials. The Masquerade is Over, is red meat for Sweet Lou as he glides through the changes as a skater would fly over freshly groomed ice. These pros make it look so easy – no struggle – and bring a mood of elation to the listener. On Masquerade, Peck Morrison’s presence is much more felt, just a beat behind Lou as steady as a metronome.
Play Ray, bluesy as all get out, features Barretto, and you want to reach out and touch his conga as well as compliment Herman Foster on his solo, since this SACD makes you swear that they snuck into your listening room unannounced.
Autumn Nocturne matches Donaldson in non-cloying sweetness with a Johnny Hodges’ type solo. It’s as beautiful as a tulip field on an early Spring morning as the colors seem to pop off the petals. Closing our blues walk is another boppish excursion, Callin’ All Cats, where Herman Foster and Dave Bailey mesh before Lou takes it out with Barretto, Morrison, and Bailey keeping in step.
Owning the SACD release of Blues Walk won’t make you feel too guilty passing up a live jazz show if you are not in the mood to fight traffic or face inclement weather. You’ve got the opening set right there in your music listening room. Instead of tipping the waitress, pick up a tumbler of your favorite liqueur, and experience sonic bliss in your easy chair.
TrackList: Blues Walk, Move, The Masquerade is Over, Play Ray, Autumn Nocturne, Callin’ All Cats
– Jeff Krow
