Sentimental Journey
Lou Donaldson · 1995
55 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A soulful blend of bebop and jazz standards, rich with emotive saxophone lines and a laid-back groove.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Now My Love Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Sentimental Journey — The title track encapsulates the album’s emotional depth, showcasing Donaldson's expressive saxophone melodies over lush harmonies that evoke nostalgia.
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Danny Boy — This rendition highlights Donaldson's ability to infuse traditional melodies with a contemporary touch, revealing the song's inherent beauty through soulful improvisation.
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My Little Suede Shoes — A vibrant take on this classic, blending rhythm and melody seamlessly, it reflects Donaldson's playful approach while honoring the original composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong compositions and skilled performances, maintaining a cohesive sound while exploring familiar jazz standards.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent mid-tempo groove across its eight tracks, with each piece allowing for extended improvisation.
- Saxophone melodies are often accompanied by a laid-back rhythm section, creating a relaxed atmosphere throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate call-and-response patterns between the saxophone and piano, enhancing the conversational quality of the performances.
- 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
- nostalgic melodies for reflection
- steady pacing for intimate moments
- warm soundscapes for relaxation
- evening listening with soft light
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy excitement
- prefer short, standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a five-year hiatus, featuring beloved standards.
- Themes
- nostalgic ballads· soulful improvisation· laid-back groove
- Career context
- Released in 1995, Sentimental Journey is Lou Donaldson's return to the studio after a five-year hiatus following his last album, 1990's The Time Is Right. This album showcases Donaldson's signature style, melding soul jazz influences with classic ballads, reinforcing his established reputation as a key figure in the jazz genre.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz
Tracklist
- 1 What Now My Love Start here 6:27
- 2 Sentimental Journey 8:19
- 3 What'll I Tell My Heart 7:03
- 4 Messin' Around With C.P. 5:55
- 5 My Little Suede Shoes 6:14
- 6 Midnight Creeper 7:59
- 7 Danny Boy 5:49
- 8 Peck Time 7:36
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Ballads
John Coltrane
Shares emotive saxophone lines and a focus on nostalgic, lyrical improvisation.
Somethin' Else
Cannonball Adderley
Combines soulful grooves with jazz standards, echoing laid-back vibes.
Sweet Rain
Stan Getz
Features lush saxophone melodies and a relaxed atmosphere, similar to Donaldson's soulful approach.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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