This 2 cd set capture the sound and style of a pianist unfortunately long forgotten. Dorothy Donegan was a local figure in the Chicago area performing in local clubs, while occasionally visiting Europe during some tours. Her style, influenced by Earl Hines for its deftly swinging left hand and lyrically adventurous right, is filled with thoughts and talents from another era in this age of dissonant banging.
The first disc features Donegan during 1980 in the Jazzhaus Slukefter in Copenhagen along with Mads Vinding/b and Ed Thigpen. Four medleys spotlight an almost subconscious knowledge of tunes such as “Pennies From Heaven,” “Out of Nowhere” and “When I Fall I Love” as she weaves from one tune to the next with alarming alacrity, while occasionally even singing a verse. Her debt to the Swing Era is palpable on “Rosetta” and “Satin Doll” as well as her adventurous spirit. The French studio cd from 1975 has her teamed with Panama Francis/dr and Arvell Shaw/b and delivering an attractively eclectic set. Who these days could encompass material ranging from Stevie Wonder (“You Are the Sunshine of My Life”), Beethoven (“Minutet in G”), gospel (“Lift Every Voice and Sing”) and the blues AND make it all gloriously swing with creativity? A recollection of when jazz trios were a celebration and not a cerebration.
Storyville Records