Lou Donaldson - Color As A Way Of Life (1977) [vinyl>flac]

Lou Donaldson made two Cotillion albums at the tail-end of the 70s; "Different Scene" and this one. Although not looked upon favourably Donaldson does not disappoint. He is joined by veteran horn players Ernie Royal and Seldon Powell, and just those guys alone bolster the album.

There are some sweet moments here despite the routine arrangements, sterile production and cut-rate roster, close to half of whom count this album as either their only credit or one of less than a handful. Except for drummer Jimmie Young most of the rhythm section were nobodies and both horn and string sections were split down the middle as far as seasoned session vet vs. unknowns is concerned. On the plus side, it's obvious a lot of these guys were going for broke and giving it their best shot, especially William Phipps on the rhodes (check out the sweet washes and nimble solos he sprinkles throughout) and A.C. Drummer on the guitar (this man loves the phased wah-wah sound for better or worse).

A couple cookers, a few ballads and a bit of funk make it worth the minimal fee but don't expect any revelations from Lou, who maintains his standard of techical excellence even though he tends to get buried in the busy arrangements or lost in the mix. Not essential by any means but it will have appeal for the more forgiving fans of LD and those of Jazz-Disco-Funk fusion in general. ~ soundological

Cotillion Records, SD 9915, 1977

Recorded December, 1976 at Groove Sound Studios, New York City

Personnel:

Lou Donaldson - Alto Saxophone

Ernie Royal - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

John Drew Kelly - Trombone, Bass Trombone

Paul G. Bogosian - Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Seldon Powell - Flute, Baritone Saxophone

William Phipps - Fender Rhodes, Clavinet

A.C. Drummer, Jr. - Guitar

Jacob Hunter - Bass

Jimmie Young - Drums

Raphael Cruz - Percussion, Conga

Irving Spice - Violin

Elliott Rosoff - Violin

David Sackson - Violin

Louis Stone - Violin

Jacqueline Copeland - Vocals (#A3)

Track Listing:

A1. Too Much Too Explain {Al Broomfield} (4:15)

A2. Love For Sale {Cole Porter} (5:05)

A3. A Piece Of Your World {Al Broomfield} (4:33)

A4. Passion Fruit {Lou Donaldson, Johnny Brantley, Rick Willard} (4:04)

B1. [Comin' Thru] The Backdoor {Al Broomfield} (3:44)

B2. Ebb Tide {Carl Sigman, Robert Maxwell} (5:24)

B3. Maker's Dream {Lou Donaldson} (4:57)

B4. Walkin' Sally {Lou Donaldson} (4:47)

Credits:

Producer - John Brantley, Rick Willard

Arranger - Mike Goldberg

Engineer - Eddie Youngblood

Mastering - Dennis King (Atlantic Recording Studios)

Notes:

Mixed at Music Farm Studio, New York City