The Knife Cuts

No matter how many times you’ve heard these classic Fifties hits, you’ve never heard them like this – unless you were in the studio when they were recorded! Why? Because every one of these 31 original hits appears in jaw-dropping new or rare STEREO, most for the first time ever. Hearing the original hit versions of these all-time classics in crystal-clear stereo is like hearing them for the first time. Believe it or not, 24 of these famous hits have never appeared in stereo in their correct hit-single versions until now. And these are really huge hits, like Bill Haley’s “(We’re Gonna) Rock Around The Clock,” Gogi Grant’s “The Wayward Wind,” Paul Anka’s “Diana,” and “My Prayer” by The Platters. And those are only four of the thirteen #1 hits on this CD.

Best known for his soul-jazz and breakbeat-friendly grooves of the late '60s and early '70s, alto saxophonist Lou Donaldson first established himself as a strong bop player in the Charlie Parker mold. His sweet and slightly tart tone was freshly essayed on several fine combo outings from the '50s, most of which at least gave a nod to the R&B-based material to follow. And while its sequel takes care of those groove cuts from the Age of Aquarius, this first volume of Donaldson's best keeps it swingin' with several top Blue Note sides from 1957-1967. A stellar taste of the future funk gravy aside ("Alligator Boogaloo"), the nine tracks here embrace Donaldson's early bop 'n' blues mantra via a mix resplendent with roots ("Groovin' High"), easy strollin' swing ("The Blues Walk"), a Bird-meets-the-B-3 moment ("Sow Belly Blues"), and a rare big-band ballad ("Sweet Slumber")…