Quartet/Quintet/Sextet
Lou Donaldson · 1957
40 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of bebop and soul jazz, rich with improvisational flair and melodic sophistication.
Top tracks — play these first
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If I Love Again Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Down Home — This track stands out for its infectious groove and displays Donaldson's ability to merge soulful melodies with complex rhythms, embodying the album's spirit.
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Lou's Blues — As a showcase for Donaldson's expressive saxophone style, this track highlights his mastery of both melody and improvisation within a blues framework.
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Caracas — The extended composition presents an adventurous exploration of rhythm and harmony, illustrating Donaldson's willingness to push boundaries while remaining accessible.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong improvisational skills and varied compositions, making it a solid entry in the jazz genre.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of call-and-response between the saxophone and piano, creating a dynamic interplay throughout.
- Each track maintains a distinct tempo and mood, with several pieces transitioning from upbeat to more relaxed sections.
- Improvisation is prominent, with extended solos that showcase the musicians' technical skills and creativity.
- 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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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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 throughout
- soulful melodies for relaxed listening
- engaging improvisations for attentive ears
- for afternoon gatherings
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced music
- seek intense emotional highs
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album contributed to Donaldson's growing recognition in the jazz scene.
- Themes
- 1950s jazz scene· soulful melodies· improvisational flair
- Career context
- Released in 1957, 'Quartet/Quintet/Sextet' captures Lou Donaldson at a key moment in his career as he was gaining recognition in the jazz scene. This album followed his successful works like 'Blues Walk' and showcased his signature blend of soulful melodies with intricate bebop structures.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz
Tracklist
- 1 If I Love Again Start here 2:40
- 2 Down Home 3:21
- 3 The Best Things in Life Are Free 3:26
- 4 Lou's Blues 3:44
- 5 Cheek to Cheek 3:03
- 6 Sweet Juice 3:32
- 7 The Stroller 5:38
- 8 Roccus 3:27
- 9 Caracas 6:02
- 10 Moe's Bluff 5:07
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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