Is Here 'Tis a good place to start with Lou Donaldson?

Yes, Here 'Tis is recommended as a starting point for new Lou Donaldson listeners. A vibrant blend of bebop and soul jazz, driven by infectious rhythms and melodic improvisation. Here 'Tis was Lou Donaldson's breakthrough album, released in 1961 during a pivotal moment in his career when he began to gain recognition as a leading figure in soul jazz. Following several years of performing and recording, this album marked a significant step into the spotlight for Donaldson, showcasing his distinctive saxophone style and compositions.

Who is Here 'Tis for?

Here 'Tis works well if you're into smooth grooves for relaxed evenings, long, flowing instrumental explorations and captivating melodies that invite reflection.

How many songs are on Here 'Tis?

Here 'Tis has 5 tracks, running approximately 39 minutes.

Here 'Tis

Lou Donaldson · 1961

39 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A vibrant blend of bebop and soul jazz, driven by infectious rhythms and melodic improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Here 'Tis Start here — The title track exemplifies Donaldson's ability to weave intricate melodies over a lively groove, making it a standout piece that captures the essence of the album.
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Watusi Jump — This track showcases an infectious rhythm that invites listeners to move, highlighting the album's fusion of bebop with danceable swing elements.
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Cool Blues — With its smooth, laid-back feel, this track represents the soul jazz aesthetic while allowing Donaldson's expressive playing to shine through.

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 showcases strong instrumental interplay and solid compositions typical of early '60s jazz.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of a small ensemble, with saxophone leading over piano, bass, and drums throughout.
Each track maintains a steady tempo, with the rhythm section providing a solid foundation for improvisation.
The compositions often feature call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and the rhythm section, creating a dynamic interplay.

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 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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

smooth grooves for relaxed evenings
long, flowing instrumental explorations
captivating melodies that invite reflection
engaging rhythms for casual listening

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic tracks
seek constant vocal presence

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album helped solidify Lou Donaldson's reputation in the jazz scene.
Themes: soul jazz evolution· danceable rhythms· melodic improvisation
Career context: Here 'Tis was Lou Donaldson's breakthrough album, released in 1961 during a pivotal moment in his career when he began to gain recognition as a leading figure in soul jazz. Following several years of performing and recording, this album marked a significant step into the spotlight for Donaldson, showcasing his distinctive saxophone style and compositions.
Stylistic neighbors: Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz