Jimmy Smith Trio + LD
Lou Donaldson · 1985
42 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and intricate bebop rhythms, showcasing the interplay between jazz legends in a seamless jam session.
Top tracks — play these first
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Soft Winds Start here — This opening track establishes the album's relaxed yet sophisticated tone, with Donaldson’s melodic lines effortlessly weaving through Smith’s lush organ backdrop.
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'Round Midnight — An interpretation of the classic standard, this track highlights Donaldson's emotive saxophone playing and showcases the trio's tight chemistry during improvisation.
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Hollerin' and Screamin' — This lively piece captures a spirited exchange between instruments, illustrating the playful energy that defines the collaboration of these jazz greats.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album highlights strong improvisation and interaction among musicians, making it engaging yet accessible.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the saxophone and organ, creating a dynamic interplay throughout.
- Each track maintains a moderate tempo, with several pieces extending into improvisational sections that showcase the musicians' virtuosity.
- The final track transitions into a lively cha-cha rhythm, providing a distinct contrast to the preceding ballads.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- smooth melodies for relaxed evenings
- engaging improvisation during dinner parties
- steady pacing for focused work
- nighttime ambiance with subtle energy
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of rapid-fire excitement
- prefer standalone, high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Fan Favorite — Beloved by fans for its collaboration and vibrant jazz interplay.
- Themes
- soulful improvisation· late-night jam sessions
- Career context
- By 1985, Lou Donaldson was an established figure in the jazz world, known for his unique blend of hard bop and soul jazz. This album marked a collaborative effort with organist Jimmy Smith, highlighting Donaldson's continued evolution as an artist while celebrating the iconic sound that helped define his earlier career.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz
Tracklist
- 1 Soft Winds Start here 7:55
- 2 Hollerin' and Screamin' 6:58
- 3 'Round Midnight 6:25
- 4 Star Eyes 4:57
- 5 Darn That Dream 6:39
- 6 Street of Dreams 5:11
- 7 Cha Cha J 4:16
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Head Hunters
Herbie Hancock
Shares vibrant grooves and soulful improvisation, blending jazz with funk elements for late-night vibes.
The Real McCoy
McCoy Tyner
Equally intricate in rhythm and harmony, this album features soulful melodies and deep jazz exploration.
Idle Moments
Grant Green
Offers a laid-back atmosphere with rich guitar lines that complement soulful improvisation in a jam-like format.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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