LOU DONALDSON - SUNNY SIDE UP (200g MONO LP)

An excellent 1960 get-together with some fresh faces joining altoist Lou Donaldson. Long under-valued trumpeter Bill Hardman and especially pianist Duke Pearson assist in infusing probably more soul than even Lou Donaldson expected into the arrangements. Augmented by Al Harewood’s impeccable timekeeping and Sam Jones and Laymon Jackson splitting time at the bass, the result is a fine mix, with strong writing contributions all-around. Attention should be paid to the originals offered up by Donaldson (“The Truth”, “Goose Grease”), Parlan (“Blues for J.P”) and Hardman (“Politely”), as should the smooth takes on the commonalities “Softly”, “As In A Morning Sunrise”, “The Man I Love” and “It’s You Or No One”. Mastered and cut on Classic’s ALL TUBE MONO cutting system and cutter head makes this the definitive version of this LP and possibly better than impossible to find original copies!