Lou Donaldson

The Three Sounds were a very popular group in the late 1950s/early 60s and for good reason. Pianist Gene Harris, bassist Andy Simpkins and drummer Bill Dowdy always knew how to lay down an irresistible groove. They infused every song they played with a heavy dose of the blues and could outswing any combo while never being stingy with the soul.

The same could be said for altoist Lou Donaldson. Influenced by Charlie Parker but a bluesier player, Donaldson in the 1950s held his own on sessions with Clifford Brown, Thelonious Monk and Jimmy Smith while gaining a strong following with his series of Blue Note recordings. LD + 3 is a very special recording from 1959 featuring Donaldson and the Three Sounds really inspiring and pushing each other. Starting with a passionate version of Three Little Words, they dig into such bop classics as Just Friends and Confirmation, playing with plenty of heat. The mixture of bebop fury with soul makes this a true Blue Note milestone.

PERSONNEL:

• Lou Donaldson (alto saxophone)
• Gene Harris (piano)
• Andrew Simpkins (bass)
• Bill Dowdy (drums)

Recorded in New Jersey, February 18, 1959

TRACKS:

• 01. Three Little Words
• 02. Smooth Groove
• 03. Just Friends
• 04. Blue Moon
• 05. Jump Up
• 06. Don't Take Your Love From Me
• 07. Confirmation