Lou Donaldson

Lou Donaldson, a bop altoist heavily influenced by Charlie Parker, developed his own blues-based style. With a distinctive tone, he recorded numerous spirited sets in small-group settings over the years. Donaldson began playing clarinet at 15 before switching to the alto, gaining attention in New York and recording for Blue Note as a leader in 1952. Although his style evolved, he had already established his sound by age 25. While he never joined the Jazz Messengers, Donaldson led his own bands from the mid-'50s onward, occasionally recording as a sideman with notable artists.

In the late '50s, Donaldson incorporated a conga player into his bands, later favoring organists over pianists. His transition to soul-jazz showcased his bluesy style most effectively. Following his successful Blue Note years, Donaldson's experimentation with commercial trends temporarily diluted his sound. However, his artistic resurgence in 1981 marked a return to form, producing soul-jazz and hard bop recordings that demonstrated his timeless style alongside organists and pianists, reaffirming his status as a revered figure in jazz music.