Play the Right Thing
Lou Donaldson · 1990
49 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A smooth blend of bebop and soul jazz creates a vibrant, engaging atmosphere that invites listeners to unwind and groove.
Top tracks — play these first
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Play the Right Thing Start here — As the title track, this composition encapsulates the essence of Donaldson's style, featuring catchy melodies paired with intricate improvisation that draws listeners in.
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Whiskey Drinkin' Woman — This track stands out for its playful yet soulful arrangement, showcasing Donaldson's knack for blending humor with musical sophistication.
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Harlem Nocturne — A classic piece that allows Donaldson's expressive playing to shine, this rendition captures a deep sense of mood and atmosphere characteristic of urban nightlife.
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Footpattin' Time — This lively number features infectious rhythms and a vibrant energy that highlights the celebratory aspects of jazz, making it a standout moment on the album.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong melodic writing and solid performances, making it enjoyable but not.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of smooth, flowing melodies played primarily on the saxophone, with rhythmic support from piano and drums.
- Each track maintains a moderate tempo, creating a relaxed groove that invites listeners to engage without overwhelming them.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and rhythm section, enhancing the conversational quality of the music.
- 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
- steady mid-tempo groove
- unwinding after a long day
- for relaxed gatherings
- smooth background for conversations
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of high-energy tracks
- prefer short, standalone songs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reasserts Donaldson's position in jazz, showcasing his continued vitality in the genre.
- Themes
- Harlem nightlife· soulful improvisation
- Career context
- By the time 'Play the Right Thing' was released in 1990, Lou Donaldson was already an established figure in jazz, known for his influential work in the soul jazz subgenre. This album came nearly a decade after his previous release, 'The Good Life,' showcasing his ability to adapt and remain relevant within the evolving jazz landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz
Tracklist
- 1 Play the Right Thing Start here 6:24
- 2 Whiskey Drinkin' Woman 6:05
- 3 Marmaduke 6:47
- 4 Harlem Nocturne 5:50
- 5 This Is Happiness 7:55
- 6 I Had the Craziest Dream 6:24
- 7 The Masquerade Is Over 4:15
- 8 Footpattin' Time 6:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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