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Lou Donaldson: Alligator Bogaloo

By Joseph Vella
January 31, 2023
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Who doesn't love the playing of

Lou Donaldson

saxophone
1926 - 2024

" data-original-title="" title="">Lou Donaldson? This late-'60s gem is one of those recordings where everything hits right. It is not only brilliant (and wonderfully dated) but it's also the type of record even your non-jazz friends can snap and tap to. The combo of hard bop and soul jazz is infectious. Right from the opening title track, Lou and Co. set a groove and take us on a compelling sonic hang.

George Benson

guitar
b.1943

" data-original-title="" title="">George Benson's guitar and the tasty drumming by Leo Morris (aka

Idris Muhammad

drums
1939 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Idris Muhammad) help seal the deal. Joining Lou Donaldson on sax is

Dr. Lonnie Smith

organ, Hammond B3
1942 - 2021

" data-original-title="" title="">Dr. Lonnie Smith, George Benson, Idris Muhammad,

Melvin Lastie

trumpet

" data-original-title="" title="">Melvin Lastie. No heavy thinking required. Just sit back, crank it up and let the vibe come to you.

Contact Joseph Vella on All About Jazz.
Creator of Jazz Online/Vella Interactive (produces Tom Scott's Podcast Express among other things).

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