Lou Donaldson Possum Head

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.

This release presents Lou Donaldson’s complete original LP "Here 'Tis", which marks the first of his six recording sessions with the brilliant guitarist Grant Green. The group is complemented by organist Baby Face Willette (with whom Donaldson would never record again), and drummer Dave Bailey. Also included here is a complete session recorded by Donaldson and Green shortly after in the same format, but this time with Brother Jack McDuff on organ (with whom the saxophonist would never collaborate again), and Joe Dukes on drums.