Wailing With Lou is an appropriate title for this enjoyable set of straight-ahead bop. Whether he's riding the propulsive rhythms of "Caravan" or settling down into a ballad,
Donaldson takes the center stage with his surprisingly full alto tone. He still displays a clear
Charlie Parker influence, but he is beginning to break free and develop his own style. In particular, he relies on bluesy runs more than Bird, which give his music a soulful edge. But what makes
Wailing With Lou so enjoyable is the hot interplay between
Donaldson, trumpeter
Donald Byrd, pianist
Herman Foster, bassist
Peck Morrison and drummer
Art Taylor. All five musicians give enthusiastic, infectious performances. There's nothing out of the ordinary here -- just hard-driving bop and sensitive ballads, which are sure to please fans of the style. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine