Lou Donaldson: Blues Walk

Lou Donaldson´s undisputed masterpiece, Blues Walk, marks the point where the altoist began to decisively modify his heavy Charlie Parker influence and add a smoky, bluesy flavor of his own. The material is still firmly in the bebop style, and the mellower moments aren´t as sleepy as some of Donaldson´s subsequent work, so the album sounds vital and distinctive even as it slows down and loosens things up. What elevates Blues Walk to classic status is its inviting warmth. Donaldson´s sweetly singing horn is melodic throughout the six selections, making even his most advanced ideas sound utterly good-natured and accessible. The easy-swinging title cut is arguably Donaldson´s signature tune even above his late-´60s soul-jazz hits, and his other two originals, "Play Ray" and "Callin´ All Cats," are in largely the same vein.