Lou Donaldson is one of the most respect alto player with a career spaning a half a century performing bebop, hard-bop and soul jazz. Donaldson states that his playing style is a cross between Charlie Parker and Johnny Hodges, adding, “you know, the people that I listened to when I was coming up”.

The great pianist, Horace Parlan said of Donladson, "One of the unique qualities of Lou's work is that he incorporates a great deal of the whole jazz tradition in his playing. He's listened to just about everyone, and not only alto players. With this knowledge of the entire jazz language, Lou is definitely an individual voice."

He is touring with the amazing Dr Lonnie Smith on the Hammond B3 organ. These two are frequent parters, having originally teamed up on “Aligator Boogaloo” on Blue Note in 1968 which remains one of the best examples of hard-bop / soul jazz ever cut.

Click here to read a review of Lou Donaldson with Dr. Lonnie Smith at the Village Vanguard.

Click here to read more about Dr Lonnie Smith.