What does Blowing in the Wind sound like?

A vibrant blend of soul jazz and bebop, intertwining playful melodies with deep, rhythmic grooves. Rooted in bebop and soul jazz. Start with "Blowin' in the Wind".

Is Blowing in the Wind a good place to start with Lou Donaldson?

Yes, Blowing in the Wind is recommended as a starting point for new Lou Donaldson listeners. A vibrant blend of soul jazz and bebop, intertwining playful melodies with deep, rhythmic grooves. By 1966, Lou Donaldson was already an established figure in the jazz scene, having released several albums since his debut in the late 1950s. 'Blowing in the Wind' marked a significant moment as it showcased his transition into a more soulful sound, building on his earlier bebop foundations while also appealing to a broader audience.

Who is Blowing in the Wind for?

Blowing in the Wind works well if you're into steady mid-tempo enjoyment, playful melodies for socializing and headphone detail appreciation.

How many songs are on Blowing in the Wind?

Blowing in the Wind has 7 tracks, running approximately 34 minutes.

Released 60 years ago

Blowing in the Wind

Lou Donaldson · 1966

34 min · 7 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of soul jazz and bebop, intertwining playful melodies with deep, rhythmic grooves.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blowin' in the Wind Start here — The title track showcases Donaldson's ability to reinterpret a folk classic through a jazz lens, infusing it with swinging rhythms and expressive improvisation.
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Hello Dolly — This rendition transforms the Broadway standard into a lively jazz piece, highlighting Donaldson's playful approach and skillful saxophone phrasing.
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Relaxing in Blue — An extended piece that allows for rich exploration of melody and rhythm, this track exemplifies Donaldson's deep connection to the soul jazz genre.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album features engaging melodies and rhythmic interplay, showcasing Donaldson's skill in blending jazz with popular influences.

What we noticed

The album opens with a reinterpretation of 'Blowin' in the Wind', featuring a prominent saxophone melody that sets a playful tone.
Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with rhythmic variations that keep the listener engaged.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and rhythm section, enhancing the conversational feel of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo enjoyment
playful melodies for socializing
headphone detail appreciation
easygoing background vibe

Maybe skip if you

seekers of high energy
prefer narrative-driven albums

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped bridge jazz with mainstream music, enhancing Donaldson's recognition.
Themes: soulful reinterpretation· Broadway jazz fusion· playful improvisation
Career context: By 1966, Lou Donaldson was already an established figure in the jazz scene, having released several albums since his debut in the late 1950s. 'Blowing in the Wind' marked a significant moment as it showcased his transition into a more soulful sound, building on his earlier bebop foundations while also appealing to a broader audience.
Stylistic neighbors: Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz