Since Quartet/Quintet/Sextet is
Lou Donaldson's first full-length album, it's not surprising that it captures the alto saxophonist at the height of his
Charlie Parker influence. Throughout the album -- on CD, the collection features all the music on the 12" LP, music from its 10" incarnation, and three alternate takes --
Donaldson plays in a straight bop vein, whether on up-tempo swingers or ballads. Most of the songs on the collection are standards, with a couple of fine originals from
Donaldson and pianist
Horace Silver spicing the mix; in particular,
Silver's rollicking, Latin-tinged "Roccus" is a standout. While
Donaldson's tone isn't quite as full as it would be within just five years, he impresses with his bold, speedy technique and fine phrasing. He doesn't play anything out of the ordinary, but he plays it very, very well, and his playing is enhanced by the three stellar bands that support him on these sessions. Among his fellow musicians on Quartet/Quintet/Sextet are
Silver, bassist
Gene Ramey, drummer
Art Taylor, trumpeter
Blue Mitchell, pianist
Elmo Hope, and trumpeter
Kenny Dorham. Everyone plays in a straight bop and hard bop tradition, contributing fine performances to a strong debut effort by
Donaldson. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine