Lou Donaldsonhad already been at the helm of seven Blue Note sessions by the time he made his undisputed masterpieceBlues Walkin 1958. The alto saxophonist quickly became a fixture on the Blue Note scene after he first played on aMilt Jacksondate in 1952 with sideman appearance on sessions led byThelonious Monk, Art Blakey,andJimmy Smith,as well as a co-led date withClifford Brown.On Blues Walk,Donaldsonreconvened the line-up from his 1957 albumSwingandSoulwithHerman Fosteron piano,Peck Morrisonon bass,Dave Baileyon drums, andRay Barrettoon congas. The excellent six-song set yielded one of his most memorable themes with the cool struttin title track, a laid-back minor blues that opens the album with a standout performance by the leader.Donaldsonkeeps it bluesy on his tune Play Ray, showcases his bop chops on uptempo numbers like “Denzil Bests Move and his own Callin All Cats, and delivers stunning renditions of the standards Autumn Nocturne and The Masquerade Is Over.

This Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition is stereo, all-analog, mastered byKevin Grayfrom the original master tapes, and pressed on 180g vinyl at Optimal.

Tracklist:
Side A
1. Blue Walk
2. Move
3. The Masquerade Is Over

Side B
1. Play Ray
2. Autumn Nocturne
3. Callin’ All Cats