Quartet/Quintet/Sextet catches Lou Donaldson in full creative combustion. The alto cuts, rasps, then softens, carrying that unmistakable strain of urban blues that refuses politeness. The shifting group sizes aren’t a gimmick: they upset the balance, sharpen the ear, open new angles. Donaldson leads without overpowering, provokes without strain. A nervous, sensual record that moves straight ahead, swings hard, and proves jazz can be direct without ever being simple. Raw, modern, alive — it still hits hard today.
Side A
1. If I Love Again
2. Down Home
3. The Best Things In Life Are Free
4. Lou’s Blues
5. Cheek To Cheek
6. Sweet Juice
Side B
1. The Stroller
2. Roccus
3. Caracas
4. Moe’s Bluff