Leading jazzmen in town
Sixty years separate Lou Donaldson’s first public appearance as a member of a US Navy band in the 1940s and his current performances at the Half Note Jazz Club in Athens. Having lived jazz to the core – going from be-bop to soul and acid jazz – the veteran artist has collaborated with Charlie «Bird» Parker, Milt Jackson, Thelonious Monk, Horace Silver and Art Blakey, among others. At the opening night last Friday, Donaldson performed to a full, knowledgeable house; the run of shows ends tomorrow and all are sold out. A familiar figure to local audiences – this is the third time he has appeared in Greece – Donaldson performed a few of his greatest hits, including «Whisky Drinkin’ Woman» and «Alligator Boogaloo.» Joining Donaldson on stage in Athens is Hammond organ master Dr Lonnie Smith. A fellow leading jazz figure, he is considered a pioneer of 1970s jazz rock and jazz funk, collaborating extensively with artists such as Miles Davis. Half Note Jazz Club, 17 Trivonianou, Mets, tel 210.921.3310.
