A hard-bop-meets-soul-jazz classic, Alligator Bogaloo features three ‘Sweet Lou’ Donaldson tunes, including the hit title track, the swinging, R&B styled “The Thang,” with organ shouts and exuberant utterances, and the upbeat “Rev. Moses” where all the band members romp with Lou and a fiery Lonnie Smith leading the way. Lonnie contributes the slow, steady “Aw Shucks!” where the band opens up for instrumental expressions in the relaxed zone. Lou also covers vibraphonist Freddie McCoy’s oozing soul-jazz gem, “One Cylinder” (George Benson’s guitar ebullience is at its best on this track), and closes the long player with a ’30s-era ballad, “I Want a Little Girl.” With Melvin sitting out, this is Lou’s luminous lyrical showcase.

Musicians:
Melvin Lastie, Sr., cornet
Lou Donaldson, alto saxophone
George Benson, guitar
Lonnie Smith, organ
Leo Morris, drums

Side 1:
1. Alligator Bogaloo
2. One Cylinder
3. The Thang
Side 2:
1. Aw Shucks!
2. Rev. Moses
3. I Want A Little Girl