CiTR

Lou Donaldson is a Jazz Master of the first order and is still touring and playing at age 86. During the late 60's and early 70's he did a whole series of albums for Blue Note that were really a great combination of funk, Jazz and R&B. Lou had established his credentials with Clifford Brown, Elmo Hope, Art Blakey as well a great straight-ahead dates under his own name so there was no argument as to his abilities. His R&B flavoured albums were treated harshly by the critics but they sold well and preserved the essence of Jazz. Jazz and R&B have always had a healthy relationship and this date proves it. Donaldson has trumpet on the front line with guitar, Hammond organ, the occasional electric bass and drums. The music here covers all the bases and can be listened to and danced to. There is something for everyone here....a couple of good funky tunes, a beautiful ballad (Over The Rainbow), a calypso flavoured tune and straight-ahead swinger. Lou Donaldson hits all the bases and as he states in the album's title "Everything I Play is Funky". Long live Papa Lou!