Eric Dolphy
"Illinois Concert"
(Blue Note)
Since I'm on a jazz kick I thought I'd mention this long-lost, previously unreleased recording by the late Eric Dolphy. An oft-forgotten contemporary of Coltrane, Mingus and Ornette Coleman (he played with all three), Eric Dolphy walked the line between traditional and avant-garde jazz in the 1960's. This live disc captures Dolphy's formidable touring quartet, which included pianist Herbie Hancock. Besides working within a group context, Dolphy also presents an extended solo rendition of "God Bless The Child" that must be heard to be believed. An imaginative "free" player, Dolphy would often play his saxophone along side the birds perched outside his apartment window. He also maintained a strong sense of tradition that kept his music extremely accessible. Dolphy was an undisputed master of the clarinet and flute as well as tenor, alto and saxophone. He died at the age of 36 from complications related to undiagnosed diabetes, but not before leaving his mark as a distinctive and fascinating musician. This recent addition to the Dolphy catalogue is well worth investigating.
by Mitch Myers
copyright 1999 New City Communications, Inc.