Lou Donaldson - The Natural Soul

AllMusic Review by Stephen Thomas Erlewine

The Natural Soul finds Lou Donaldson delving deeply into soul-jazz, recording a set of funky, greasy instrumentals with only a few references to hard bop. Donaldson occasionally sounds a little awkward with the relaxed groove of The Natural Soul, as does trumpeter Tommy Turrentine, but the trio of guitarist Grant Green, organist John Patton, and drummer Ben Dixon keep things cooking. Green and Patton's solos often burn and are always invigorating, and Lou frequently matches their heights. The original compositions -- which form the bulk of the album -- aren't much more than blues and soul vamps, but they provide an excellent foundation for the combo to work hot grooves. And, in the end, that's what The Natural Soul is about -- groove. It maintains the high standards Donaldson established with his first soul-jazz foray, Here 'Tis, and remains one of his best records in that genre.

Lou Donaldson

The Natural Soul

(All compositions by Lou Donaldson except where noted) "Sow Belly Blues" 00:00​ "Funky Mama" (Big John Patton) 10:13​ "Love Walked In" (Gershwin, Gershwin) 19:21​ "Spaceman Twist 24:33​ "That's All" (Alan Brandt, Bob Haymes) 30:13​ "Nice 'n' Greasy" (John Adriano Acea) 35:49​ Lou Donaldson - alto saxophone Tommy Turrentine - trumpet Grant Green - guitar Big John Patton - organ Ben Dixon - drums Released March 1963 Recorded May 9, 1962 Studio Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ Label Blue Note BST 84108 Producer Alfred Lion