Lou Donaldson Lush Life on LP

When Lou Donaldson emerged in the early 1950s, virtually every young alto-saxophonist sounded like a close relative of Charlie Parker. While Bird would always be an influence on him, Donaldson had his own approach to playing jazz, and he quickly became instantly recognizable as a more soulful and bluesy player, one who was nicknamed "Sweet Lou." Donaldson could always play bebop with the best but he also loves to caress ballads and to really dig deep into the blues.

Produced by Alfred Lion, Lush Life is a unique ballad set Donaldson recorded for Blue Note in 1967, but wasn't issued until 1980 - originally under the title Sweet Slumber. With winsome arrangements by Duke Pearson, Donaldson leads a stellar line-up of Wayne Shorter, Pepper Adams, Jerry Dodgion, Freddie Hubbard, McCoy Tyner, Ron Carter and Al Harewood, in a lavish 7-song set of romantic standards that most certainly live up to the album's title. 

Lou Donaldson / Jerry Dodgion (alto saxophone)

Wayne Shorter (tenor saxophone)

Pepper Adams (baritone saxophone)

Freddie Hubbard / Garnett Brown (trumpet)

McCoy Tyner (piano)

Jerry Dodgion (flute)

Ron Carter (bass)

Al Harewood (drums)

• Remastered and reissued as part of the Blue Note 75th anniversary vinyl reissue campaign 

• Vinyl initiative spearheaded by current Blue Note Records President, Don Was, to include 100 essential Blue Note albums 

• Includes special Blue Note 75 vinyl sleeve that features album cover art for 75 Blue Note titles 

• First run of vinyl to include Blue Note 75th logo on back of package 

• Key to the Blue Note 75th anniversary vinyl reissue campaign is the creation of high quality audio at an affordable price 

• All year long Blue Note will celebrate their iconic artists and the history of the label with various events, digital initiatives, vinyl campaigns and more

1.  Sweet Slumber

2.  You've Changed

3.  The Good Life

4.  Stardust

5.  What Will I Tell My Heart

6.  It Might As Well Be Spring

7.  Sweet And Lovely