Lou Donaldson was one of the first alto saxophonists to perform and record consistently with a Hammond B3 behind him. He used the sound extensively on the road in the '50s while touring across the country and developed a new jazz-funk approach in the '60s. Here's a list of the groovy organists who have recorded with him over the years. Dates signify their first recording session:
- Jimmy Smith (1957)
- Baby Face Willette (1961)
- Brother Jack McDuff (1961)
- Big John Patton (1962)
- Lloyd Mayers (1964)
- Billy Gardner (1965)
- Dr. Lonnie Smith (1967)
- Charles Earland (1968)
- Leon Spencer Jr. (1970)
- Paul Griffin (1973)
- David Braham (1992)
- Sonny Phillips (1993)
The daughter of Lou Donaldson informed the Dutch jazz impressario couple Wim & Rita Wigt (also Timeless label owners), that her father Lou Donaldson will not perform in Europe this month because of lung problems (not lung cancer). Lou's doctor advised him not to travel by airplane. So Dutch concerts have been cancelled.
These lung problems exist already for a long time as Ria Wigt confirmed me by telephone today.
Lou is famous for playing concerts even when he is really sick. So Lou is not a softie!
As a big fan of Lou I hope he will recover.
Han Schulte
Netherlands
Posted by: Han Schulte | January 15, 2011 at 09:26 AM