Hey Donald Explained

Hey Donald is an album by the American jazz saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell, recorded in 1994 and released on Delmark. It was the first recording by a quartet featuring pianist Jodie Christian, bassist Malachi Favors and drummer Albert "Tootie" Heath. The album is dedicated to Earth Wind & Fire saxophonist Donald Myrick.^[1]

Reception

In his review for AllMusic, Scott Yanow states: "In general Mitchell saves the more boppish pieces for his tenor while on soprano his intense sound creates a drone effect reminiscent a bit of bagpipes."

The Penguin Guide to Jazz notes that "when the rhythm section are playing straight time and setting up a groove underneath, Mitchell's honking and mordant saxophone often sounds frankly ludicrous."^[2]

Track listing

All compositions by Roscoe Mitchell except as indicated

1. "Walking in the Moonlight" (Roscoe Mitchell Sr.) – 6:55
2. "Dragons" – 6:48
3. "Jeremy" (Jodie Christian) – 1:54
4. "The El" – 2:51
5. "Hey Donald" – 7:45
6. "Keep On Keeping On" (Malachi Favors) – 2:44
7. "The Band Room" – 2:27
8. "Englewood High School" – 4:06
9. "Zero" (Lester Bowie) – 4:29
10. "Song for Rwanda" – 6:23
11. "58th Street" – 4:33
12. "See You at the Fair" – 5:26

Personnel

• Roscoe Mitchell - alto sax, tenor sax, soprano sax, sopranino sax, flute
  • Jodie Christian – piano Malachi Favors – bass
• Albert "Tootie" Heath – drums, percussion

Notes and References

1. Original Liner Notes by Mike Ervin
2. Book: Cook, Richard. Richard Cook (journalist). Brian Morton . Brian Morton (Scottish writer) . The Penguin Guide to Jazz on CD. 6th. The Penguin Guide to Jazz. 2002. Penguin. London. 0140515216. 1041.