The Time Is Right
Lou Donaldson · 1959
37 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of soulful melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Donaldson's distinctive saxophone style in the jazz landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lou's Blues Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album, featuring Donaldson's expressive saxophone work over a laid-back groove that highlights his unique approach to blues.
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Mack the Knife — This rendition showcases Donaldson’s ability to reinterpret standards with a soulful twist, infusing the classic with vibrant energy and playful improvisation.
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Crosstown Shuffle — The track exemplifies rhythmic complexity while maintaining accessibility, illustrating Donaldson’s skill in balancing intricate solos with catchy hooks that engage listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album features strong compositions and skilled performances, though it doesn't fully stand out in the jazz canon.
What we noticed
- The last two tracks slow down significantly, creating a contrast that allows for a more reflective conclusion to the album.
- 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 groove for relaxed evenings
- saxophone melodies evoke warmth
- for social gatherings
- ideal for intimate moments
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer short standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Solidified Donaldson's reputation in jazz and contributed to the rise of soul jazz.
- Themes
- soulful melodies· 1950s jazz evolution· expressive saxophone improvisation
- Career context
- Released in 1959, The Time Is Right was Lou Donaldson's fifth studio album, following his breakthrough with 1957's Alligator Bogaloo. At this point, he was solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in the soul jazz genre, transitioning from bebop influences into more accessible sounds that appealed to broader audiences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Horace Silver· Cannonball Adderley· Stan Getz
Tracklist
- 1 Lou's Blues Start here 5:58
- 2 Be My Love 5:45
- 3 Idaho 5:10
- 4 The Nearness of You 4:42
- 5 Mack the Knife 5:18
- 6 Crosstown Shuffle 5:15
- 7 Tangerine 4:57
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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