Gravy Train (album)

Gravy Train is an album by jazz saxophonist Lou Donaldson recorded for the Blue Note label in 1961 and performed by Donaldson with Herman Foster, Ben Tucker, Dave Bailey, and Alec Dorsey.^[2]

The album was awarded 3½ stars in an Allmusic review by Steve Huey who states "Gravy Train is a fine, if not quite exceptional record from Lou Donaldson's initial soul-jazz phase of the early '60s... Donaldson's playing is pleasant, and the rest of the supporting group maintains a steady groove throughout".^[3]

Track listing

All compositions by Lou Donaldson except as indicated

1. "Gravy Train" - 8:14
2. "South of the Border" (Michael Carr, Jimmy Kennedy) - 5:31
3. "Polka Dots and Moonbeams" (Johnny Burke, James Van Heusen) - 4:59
4. "Avalon" (Buddy DeSylva, Al Jolson, Vincent Rose) - 4:15
5. "Candy" (Mack David, Alex Kramer, Joan Whitney) - 9:18
6. "Twist Time" - 6:47
7. "Glory of Love" (Billy Hill) - 4:04
8. "Gravy Train" [alternate take] - 7:30 Bonus track on CD
9. "Glory of Love" [alternate take] (Hill) - 3:49 Bonus track on CD

• Recorded at Rudy Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, NJ on April 27, 1961.

Personnel

• Lou Donaldson - alto saxophone
• Herman Foster - piano
• Ben Tucker - bass
• Dave Bailey - drums
• Alec Dorsey - congas (tracks 1, 2 & 4-9)

References