Lou Donaldson - Blues Walk (1959/2019) [Vinyl]

Lou Donaldson's undisputed masterpiece, Blues Walk, marks the point where the altoist began to decisively modify his heavy Charlie Parker influence and add a smoky, bluesy flavor of his own. The material is still firmly in the bebop style, and the mellower moments aren't as sleepy as some of Donaldson's subsequent work, so the album sounds vital and distinctive even as it slows down and loosens things up. What elevates Blues Walk to classic status is its inviting warmth. Donaldson's sweetly singing horn is melodic throughout the six selections, making even his most advanced ideas sound utterly good-natured and accessible. The easy-swinging title cut is arguably Donaldson's signature tune even above his late-'60s soul-jazz hits, and his other two originals, "Play Ray" and "Callin' All Cats," are in largely the same vein. Recorded in 1958. Dave Bailey, drums Ray Barretto, conga Lou Donaldson, sax (alto) Herman Foster, piano Peck Morrison, bass.