Dance Date reissues 20 tracks from
Sam Donahue, a sweet bandleader and tenor saxophonist from the '50s. There are some serious flaws in the recording quality, and though the playing is bright and efficient,
Donahue's trad playing hasn't aged well. Somewhat similar to a
Lawrence Welk version of
Stan Getz, the tenor had the bright tone of
Lester Young and the low-throated swing of
Coleman Hawkins, but very little to say besides sounding sweet. There are a few highlights, though, including
Dorothy Dunn's impressive vocal on "He's Funny That Way."
–
John Bush, Rovi