Wailing With Lou
is an appropriate title for this enjoyable set of straight-ahead bop. Whether he's riding the propulsive rhythms of
"Caravan"
or settling down into a ballad,
Donaldson
takes the center stage with his surprisingly full alto tone. He still displays a clear
Charlie Parker
influence, but he is beginning to break free and develop his own style. In particular, he relies on bluesy runs more than Bird, which give his music a soulful edge. But what makes
so enjoyable is the hot interplay between
, trumpeter
Donald Byrd
, pianist
Herman Foster
, bassist
Peck Morrison
and drummer
Art Taylor
. All five musicians give enthusiastic, infectious performances. There's nothing out of the ordinary here -- just hard-driving bop and sensitive ballads, which are sure to please fans of the style. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine