While taking a quick browse through my local record shop this morning, I came across Lou Donaldson’s 1967 album on Blue Note, Mr. Shing-A-Ling. Flipping the record over, the first thing I checked was the list of musicians playing alongside Donaldson. When I saw Leo Morris’ (Idris Muhammad) name credited to drums, I knew I had to have it. If you do not know, I am a big Idris Muhammad fan. When I see a record with his name attached to it, I tend to pick it up immediately.
After giving the album a quick listen, it’s definitely got some nice tunes on it. Most of you sample heads will recognize the opening track, “Ode to Billie Joe” as it has been sampled by the likes of Kanye West, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Showbiz & AG and A Tribe Called Quest. My favorite track at the moment has to be “Peepin’”. Jimmy “Fats” Ponder has a great guitar solo that shouldn’t be overlooked. Check it out:
If you are new to Donaldson’s catalog, I would definitely recommend checking this album out. It has been re-issued since its original release in ’67 (my copy is a re-issue), so it shouldn’t be hard to find.
I will be back with another vinyl pick up post next week as I have a copy of Melvin Sparks’ Akilah! being sent my way.
Keep diggin’!
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.