BST 84337

Lou Donaldson - Everything I Play is Funky

Released - June 1970

Recording and Session Information

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, August 22, 1969
Ed Williams, trumpet; Lou Donaldson, alto sax, electric alto sax; Charles Earland, organ; Melvin Sparks, guitar; Jimmy Lewis, electric bass; Leo Morris, drums.

5027 tk.4 Donkey Walk
5029 tk.8 West Indian Daddy

Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, January 9, 1970
Blue Mitchell, trumpet; Lou Donaldson, electric alto sax, vocals; Lonnie Smith, organ; Melvin Sparks, guitar; Jimmy Lewis, electric bass; Idris Muhammad, drums.

5761 tk.8 Everything I Do Gonh Be Funky (From Now On)
5762 tk.12 Over The Rainbow
5764 tk.14 Hamp's Hump
5763 tk.16 Minor Bash

Track Listing

Side One
Title	Author	Recording Date
Everything I Do Gon' Be Funky (From Now On)	Allen Toussaint	January 9 1970
Hamp's Hump	Paul Hampton	January 9 1970
Over the Rainbow	Harold Arlen, E.Y. "Yip" Harburg	January 9 1970
Side Two
Donkey Walk	Lou Donaldson	August 22 1969
West Indian Daddy	Lou Donaldson	August 22 1969
Minor Bash	Lou Donaldson	January 9 1970

Liner Notes

I’m often asked, “What ever happened to the non-gimmickry, down to earth musician?” Until recently, I had to stammer for the answer. That was before I received a copy of this LP.

Much of today’s music is cluttered with the superfluous paraphernalia common to our current period; like wah-wah peddles, fuzz boxes, synthesizers, volume expanders and other electronic gizmos. There was a time when the pure musicianship of a personality was appreciated and respected as a result of his having “paid the dues” necessary to satisfy his vast and appreciative audience. The opening query might be true, but you have to illuminate Lou Donaldson and musicians like him.

Lou has been able to preserve contemporary jazz feelings, even while playing tunes like “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky” and “Say It Loud,” which situates him on the R&B side of the musical fence. But jazz lovers are able and willing to appreciate his approach and execution of those R&B favorites, enough to keep their musical appetites satisfied.

The title of this LP finds its origin in a composition by Allen Toussaint that was originally recorded by Lee Dorsey. The phrase became as common as...ain’t. DJs all across the country began to use the term as part of their dialogue. People young and old were substituting it for: SOCK IT TO ME, and any of the other popular “hip” terms.

The Donaldson Experience (which is what I like to label his playing), seems to get better with each recorded exposure. The seasoning seems to mellow his playing more and more. He is one of the rare breed that is able to feel comfortable in any key signature; from a blues in B flat to the key of F sharp, which, in many instances, is a source of fear for many celebrated musicians.

The LP opens with the tune, “Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky (From Now On)” which catches “Silver Throat” Donaldson singing the intro, followed by an earthy guitar solo by Melvin Sparks. To me, getting into an LP is like reading a novel. If the opening pages capture your attention, then the book has sold itself on you. Using this approach, I was unable to take the record off, until the last chapter (track). The mood is well established with Lou’s version of “Funky.” It continues with an easy-moving rhythmical treatment of a tune entitled “Hamp’s Hump,” which gives all the personnel a chance to blow your mind. Donaldson’s moody solo is surrounded by solos by guitarist Melvin Sparks, first, then by veteran trumpeter Blue Mitchell. A most exciting solo follows, played by one of the finest organists of today’s scene, Lonnie Smith. This is all wrapped in a blanket of steady funk pulsation supplied by Jimmy Lewis (bass) and Idris Muhammad (drums).

In my estimation, the highlight of the entire wax is the group’s rendition of “Over The Rainbow.” It delightfully offsets the R&B influence of the rest of the sides and plunges directly into a medium of good, mellow, listenable jazz.

Side two is built like a pyramid. Each tune takes off from its own base and quickly reaches a musical height equal to its predecessor. The pleasant fact is that each base is different. The first track, “Donkey Walk,” is a rockin’ blues type, with plenty of syncopation. The second of the trio, “West Indian Daddy,” is a calypso that once again bears out the fact that the LP is dealing with some of the most talented musicians in the business. The third offering, “Minor Bash,” is jazz in the true sense of the word; the kind of jazz that you want to spend the evening with.

This is indeed the kind of musical novel that I love to read. It isn’t cluttered with the elements that aren’t needed. It’s straight forward and the direction is entertainment. There are many adjectives in today’s vocabulary that could be attached to describing this album, words like: out-of-sight, dynamite, groovy, funky, etc. However, I think the two words that most adequately describe what is to be expected on the tracks are simply.. .LOU DONALDSON...

PEACE Glenn E. Thompkins -N. Y. Editor SOUL MAGAZINE