Mr. Shing-A-Ling
Lou Donaldson · 1967
37 min · 5 tracks · bebop · soul jazz
A vibrant fusion of soulful grooves and intricate jazz improvisation that elevates classic melodies.
Why this album works
'Mr. Shing-A-Ling' features a notable interpretation of 'Ode to Billie Joe', which helped bridge the gap between pop and jazz during the late 1960s. The album received positive critical reception, highlighting Donaldson's unique ability to blend accessible melodies with improvisational depth, contributing to the growing popularity of soul jazz.
- Best for
- steady grooves for focused listening intricate melodies for detail exploration soulful warmth on quiet evenings
- Context
- Released in 1967, 'Mr. Shing-A-Ling' marked Lou Donaldson's return to the Blue Note label after a brief period with other labels. This album came during a time when Donaldson was solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the soul jazz movement, following the success of his previous work 'Alligator Bogaloo' released in 1967.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Pointer Sisters· Bobby Darin· Ray Manzarek· Tom Scott· Dickey Betts· Rick Derringer· Bing Crosby· Elvis Presley
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Ode to Billie Joe Standout 6:33
- 2 The Humpback 5:28
- 3 The Shadow of Your Smile Standout 6:25
- 4 Peepin' Standout 8:21
- 5 The Kid 10:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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