Lou Donaldson
Alto Sax Solo on
The Way You Look Tonight

About

Lou Donaldson's alto sax solo is the 2nd of 4 on this recording, spanning three choruses at approximately 310 BPM. Set within a swinging rhythmic framework, the 64-bar AABA form and the key of F, the solo tests the player's command at high velocity. Positioned between Clifford Brown and Horace Silver, Donaldson bridges the conversation between the two. Lou Donaldson matches the intensity with three alto saxophone choruses that blend Parker's vocabulary with his own bluesy personality. The 64 bar form is extended an extra 4 bars to make 68.

Lou Donaldson was 27 to 28 years old at the time.