From Music Matters impressive 45rpm Reissue Series, one of the best Blue Note titles and memorable Lou Donaldson session recorded by Rudy Van Gelder. Audiophile mastering from Original Analog Master Tapes by Kevin Gray and Steve Hoffman at AcousTech on 2LP 45rpm 180 gram vinyl pressed at RTI and presented in a luxurious gatefold cover with stunning high resolution session photos.

• Limited Edition
• Numbered Edition
• Only 1000 numbered Units available Worldwide
• Remastered from the Original Rudy Van Gelder Blue Note Master Tapes
• Remastered by Kevin Gray & Steve Hoffman at AcousTech
• Double LP Cut at 45rpm for ultimate dynamics
• 180 Gram Virgin Vinyl pressed at RTI USA
• Ultra-Durable Extra Thick Album Covers
• Gatefold Cover with Session Photos in stunning High Resolution

When Lou Donaldson emerged in the early 1950s, virtually every young alto-saxophonist sounded like a close relative of Charlie Parker. While Bird would always be an influence on him, Donaldson (who is still playing very well these days at age 82) had his own approach to playing jazz, and he quickly became instantly recognizable as a more soulful and bluesy player, one who was nicknamed "Sweet Lou."

Donaldson could always play bebop with the best but he also loves to caress ballads and to really dig deep into the blues. Lou Takes Off from 1957 matches Donaldson with other young greats (including trumpeter Donald Byrd, trombonist Curtis Fuller and pianist Sonny Clark) for a pair of bop standards and two originals including the lowdown blues "Strolling In."

All of the musicians would have significant careers and it is fascinating to hear them at this early stage, particularly the already brilliant Lou Donaldson, who shows off his ability to infuse every note he played with the blues.

Like all Music Matters Jazz releases, this audiophile vinyl reissue is mastered from the original analog tape and pressed on 180g virgin vinyl at RTI in Camarillo, CA. The highest quality gatefold cover features original session photography on the inside.

Musicians:

Donald Byrd, trumpet
Curtis Fuller, trombone
Lou Donaldson, alto sax
Sonny Clark, piano
George Joyner, bass
Art Taylor, drums

Track Listing:

1. Sputnik
2. Dewey Square
3. Strollin' In
4. Groovin' High

Click here to listen to samples on YouTube.com ♫