Say It Loud! [Blue Note Classic Vinyl Edition] [180g LP]

by Lou Donaldson

Overview

The title of Say It Loud! is taken from James Brown's anthem "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud," the R&B/funk classic that Lou Donaldson covers on this album. Instead of providing a thematic and musical touchstone for the rest of the record, the song is an attempt to prove that Donaldson is still on top of musical trends, but the lazy groove he and his band -- trumpeter Blue Mitchell, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, organist Charles Earland, drummer Leo Morris -- work up shows they're not quite comfortable with this contemporary funk. They sound much more at ease with standards like "Summertime" and "Caravan," which give them a chance to stretch out, even if they are arranged like commercially oriented soul-jazz. Nevertheless, their simple presence on the album puts the stiffness of Donaldson's groove-oriented soul-jazz in sharper relief. Midnight Creeper was a successful soul-jazz record because the group managed to hit the right tone and groove, but here his group sounds awkward and uneasy. There are a few good moments scattered throughout the album, particularly by Mitchell, but overall, Say It Loud! is one of the weakest records in Donaldson's catalog. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine

Product Details

Release Date:	03/21/2025
Label:	Blue Note Records
UPC:	0602465149708

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Lou Donaldson   Primary Artist,Sax (Alto)
Blue Mitchell   Trumpet
Leo Morris   Drums
Jimmy Ponder   Guitar
Charles Earland   Organ

Technical Credits

James Brown   Composer
Lou Donaldson   Composer
Pat Thomas   Reissue Producer
Pee Wee Ellis   Composer,Arranger
Jerry Boulding   Liner Notes
Christopher Hovan   Liner Notes
Gary Hobish   Remastering
Patrick Roques   Reissue Art Director
Irving Mills   Composer
Duke Ellington   Composer
Francis Wolff   Producer,Photography
George Gershwin   Composer
Ira Gershwin   Composer
DuBose Heyward   Composer
Leon Spencer   Composer
Juan Tizol   Composer
Rudy Van Gelder   Engineer