Lou Takes Off is an album by American jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson recorded on December 15, 1957 and released on Blue Note the following year. The sextet features brass section Donald Byrd and Curtis Fuller and rhythm section Sonny Clark, Jamil Nasser and Art Taylor.[2]

Lou Takes Off
Studio album by
ReleasedJuly 1958[1]
RecordedDecember 15, 1957
StudioVan Gelder Studio
Hackensack, NJ
GenreJazz
Length38:17
LabelBlue Note
BLP 1591
ProducerAlfred Lion
Lou Donaldson chronology
Jimmy Smith Trio + LD
(1957)
Lou Takes Off
(1958)
Blues Walk
(1958)

Background

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According to Donaldson, Blue Note initially didn't like any of the album, "the conga drums or the new musicians."[3]

Reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic     [4]

The AllMusic review by Lee Bloom states, "This recording marks a period in his development prior to a stylistic shift away from bop and toward a stronger rhythm and blues emphasis... Overall, Lou Takes Off breaks no new musical ground, but it is a solid, swinging session of high-caliber playing.[5]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Lou Donaldson, except as noted.

Side 1
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Sputnik" 10:05
2."Dewey Square"Charlie Parker7:16
Side 2
No.TitleWriter(s)Length
1."Strollin' In" 14:34
2."Groovin' High"Dizzy Gillespie6:22

Personnel

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Musicians

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Technical personnel

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References

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  1. ^ Schwann Record & Tape Guide, 1964
  2. ^ Lou Donaldson discography accessed December 3, 2009.
  3. ^ 2008 liner notes by Bob Blumenthal
  4. ^ Allmusic Review
  5. ^ Bloom, L. Allmusic Review accessed December 3, 2009.