ProJazz.net

The Natural Soul is an album by jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson recorded for the Blue Note label in 1962 and performed by Donaldson with Grant Green, Tommy Turrentine, Big John Patton, and Ben Dixon.

“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.” – Stephen Thomas Erlewine/AllMusic.

Track listing:
“Funky Mama” (Big John Patton) – 9:08
“Love Walked In” (Gershwin, Gershwin) – 5:12
“Spaceman Twist” (Lou Donaldson) – 5:38
“Sow Belly Blues” (Lou Donaldson) – 10:13
“That’s All” (Alan Brandt, Bob Haymes) – 5:36
“Nice ‘n’ Greasy” (John Adriano Acea) – 5:27
“People Will Say We’re in Love” (Hammerstein II, Rodgers) – 7:53 Bonus track on CD

Personnel:
Lou Donaldson – alto saxophone
Tommy Turrentine – trumpet
Grant Green – guitar
Big John Patton – organ
Ben Dixon – drums

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Released: March 1963
Recorded: May 9, 1962
Studio: Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ
Length: 49:07 CD reissue
Label: Blue Note
BST 84108
Producer: Alfred Lion