Birdland (New York, NY)
New York's Birdland presents the Lou Donaldson Quartet for. Alto saxophonist Donaldson was a disciple of Charlie Parker, recorded with Thelonious Monk and played with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Since the 1970s, Donaldson's signature has been a unique combination of bebop and funky soul. These concerts feature guest Dr. Lonnie Smith, one of jazz's most famous organists.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
All dates for this event have expired.
The last event was Thursday October 2, 2008 / 8:30pm (with Dr. Lonnie Smith). (view all dates)
Check back to this section to see pictures from this event!
THE LOU DONALDSON QUARTET. Playing his alto saxophone, Lou Donaldson was the consummate musician, and a superb showman. Birdland was packed, and everone there looked like they were thoroughly enjoying the show. Over the years, his long-time followers may have heard some of the numbers he played, but they came off fresh and inventive. He told 4o students who were in the audience about the blues and the roots of jazz, and did he deliver!
His sidemen were great: Mike LeDonne-piano, Randy Johnson-guitar, and Fukushi Tainaka-drums. All in all, a completely rich, full and satisfying evening of music!
It was Charlie Parker, familiarly known to his fans and fellow musicians as "Bird," who served as the inspiration for Birdland. Opened in 1949, the club became a locus for the hot jazz scene in New York druing the 30's and 40's. In addition to Parker, many other jazz greats graced the Birdland stage over the years: Count Basie and his smokin' big band made Birdland their New York headquarters, Joh... More
Alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson was known as a bebopper and disciple of Charlie Parker when he recorded with Thelonious Monk in 1952 before joining a distinctive version of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers along with trumpeter Clifford Brown. He began to forge a more personal path when he found commercial success and even a couple of jukebox hits with organ groups led by Big John Patton and others. Since the 1970?s, Donaldson's signature has been that unique combination of bebop and funky soul that only his particular career path could have produced. Joining Donaldson?s swinging quartet is Dr. Lonnie Smith, one of the most influential organists to ever man the helm of the Hammond B-3, an instrument he refers to paradoxically as both "the monster" and "the love of my life." His dynamic playing and prolific composing is featured on over 70 recordings, and he has played with such luminaries as George Benson and David "Fathead" Newman.
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. © 2008 Goldstar Events, Inc.