Gift of Jazz Presents: Lou Donaldson Centenary

Celebrate the 100th birthday of jazz legend Lou "Sweet Poppa Lou" Donaldson with a soulful, hard-swinging tribute at Muse! As a pioneer of the soul-jazz movement, Donaldson's signature blues-steeped alto saxophone sound was famously built on the heavy, grooving foundation of the Hammond B3 organ. This special "Blind Tiger" event recreates that iconic dynamic live in the room. Feel the warmth of a genuine B3 organ and the swirl of a spinning Leslie speaker in an intimate setting designed to elevate classic soul-jazz. The Band: Leading the tribute is acclaimed Front Range composer and alto saxophonist Wil Swindler. As Coordinator of Jazz Studies at Colorado State University and a renowned bandleader in the Front Range, Swindler brings his sharp musical sensibilities to Donaldson's classic repertoire. He is joined by Denver's own Tom Amend on the Hammond B3 organ. Amend is a versatile organist, pianist, and arranger who frequently writes for and performs in various organ trio formats. Having honed his B3 chops performing across the Rocky Mountain region, Amend provides the gritty soul-jazz foundation required to honor Lou Donaldson. Will Swindler, bandleader/alto saxophone Tom Amend, organ Brian Claxton, drums