Lou Donaldson

Yesterday, I listened to some Lou Donaldson recordings (reissued by Blue Note on CD), and they reminded me of one of the first dates I went on with my then-boyfriend (now-husband):

Lou Donaldson at the Village Vanguard.

Somehow, we were seated front and center, close enough to be spat upon by Lou, privy to Randy Johnston's excellent guitar playing faces. We drank whiskey and marveled at Dr. Lonnie Smith on Hammond B-3. At one point, Lou put down his saxophone and sang a funny song with lewd lyrics. It was a fine, fine date.

Is it any wonder I married the guy?

Last year for his birthday, I made a few phone calls and tracked down a beautiful original pressing of the 1957 Blue Note release Lou Takes Off.

Is it any wonder he married me?