Back catalogue: Funk Soul & Jazz

Review: Lou Donaldson's Say It Loud! is a classic of the late 60s soul-jazz movement, combining infectious grooves with a lineup of skilled musicians. Released in 1969 on Blue Note, this album highlights California-based Donaldson's expertise on the alto saxophone, blending hard-swinging bebop roots with a funkier, dance-driven approach. The title track, inspired by James Brown's anthem, is a cool, laid-back rendition that shows his nuanced playing alongside the solid rhythms of trumpeter Blue Mitchell, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, organist Charles Earland, and drummer Leo Morris. The album shines with its extended tracks like 'Snake Bone' and 'Brother Soul', where the soloists stretch out, creating moments of tension and release. Ponder's blues-infused guitar solos and Earland's dramatic organ builds are standouts. While the bossa nova rendition of 'Summertime' and the swinging 'Caravan' bring a more traditional jazz feel, the album is most vibrant when it grooves hard. Despite being somewhat overshadowed by Donaldson's earlier work, Say It Loud! remains a highly enjoyable and essential part of his legacy. It may not carry the same weight as Midnight Creeper, but its infectious rhythms and tasteful solos ensure its place as a classic in soul-jazz, deserving of a greater appreciation which this reissue celebrates.