Lou Takes Off

Lou Takes Off is an album by American jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson recorded on December 15, 1957 and released on Blue Note the following year. The sextet features brass section Donald Byrd and Curtis Fuller and rhythm section Sonny Clark, Jamil Nasser and Art Taylor.

Background
According to Donaldson, Blue Note initially didn't like any of the album, "the conga drums or the new musicians."

Reception
The AllMusic review by Lee Bloom states, "This recording marks a period in his development prior to a stylistic shift away from bop and toward a stronger rhythm and blues emphasis... Overall, Lou Takes Off breaks no new musical ground, but it is a solid, swinging session of high-caliber playing.

Musicians

 * Lou Donaldson – alto saxophone
 * Donald Byrd – trumpet
 * Curtis Fuller – trombone
 * Sonny Clark – piano
 * Jamil Nasser (born George Joyner) – bass
 * Art Taylor – drums

Technical personnel

 * Alfred Lion – producer
 * Rudy Van Gelder – recording engineer
 * Reid Miles – design
 * Francis Wolff – photography