Lou Donaldson

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Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson checking out a Mike LeDonne solo
Background information
Born November 3, 1926 (1926-11-03) (age 83)
Origin Badin, North Carolina, U.S.
Genres Bebop, hard bop, jazz blues, soul jazz
Occupations Bandleader, composer, saxophonist
Instruments Alto saxophone
Years active 1952–present

Lou Donaldson (born November 3, 1926) is a jazz alto saxophonist. He was born in Badin, North Carolina. He is best known for his soulful, bluesy approach to the alto saxophone, although in his formative years he was, as many were of the bebop era, heavily influenced by Charlie Parker.[1]

His first recordings were with bop emissaries Milt Jackson and Thelonious Monk in 1952,[2] and he led several small groups with other jazz luminaries such as trumpeter Blue Mitchell, pianist Horace Silver, and drummer Art Blakey.[1]

In 1953, he also recorded sessions with the trumpet virtuoso Clifford Brown, and Philly Joe Jones. He was a member of Art Blakey's Quintet and appeared on some of their most popular albums, including A Night at Birdland Vol. 1.

He has recorded in the bop, hard bop, and soul jazz genres. For many years his pianist was Herman Foster.

Contents

[edit] Discography

[edit] As leader

Photo by Tom Beetz

[edit] Compilations

  • 1994: The Righteous Reed! The Best of Poppa Lou
  • 1996: The Best of Lou Donaldson, Vol. 2 The Blue Note Years.
  • 1998: Blue Breakbeats

[edit] As sideman

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b Allmusic Biography
  2. ^ The Hard Bop Homepage
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