Eric Dolphy › Eric Dolphy in Europe, Volume 1 (Live)

Personnel: Eric Dolphy (flute, bass clarinet); Bent Axen (piano); Erik Moseholm, Chuck Israels (bass); Jorn Elnif (drums).

Recorded in Copenhagen, Denmark on September 8, 1961. Originally released on Prestige (7304). Includes original liner notes by Robert Levin.

Digitally remastered by Phil De Lancie (1989, Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California).

Personnel: Eric Dolphy (flute, bass clarinet, alto saxophone); Bent Axen (piano); Jorn Elniff (drums).

Liner Note Author: Robert Levin.

Recording information: Copenhagen, Denmark (09/06/1961-09/08/1961).

Unknown Contributor Role: Bent Axen.

IN EUROPE VOL. 1 finds Eric Dolphy in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1961 with a Danish trio, in tandem with bassist Chuck Israels (known for his association with pianist Bill Evans), and unaccompanied. This volume forgoes his alto sax playing in favor of his flute and bass clarinet.

One highlight is the Randy Weston gem, "Hi Fly," a flute and bass duet where Israels provides a steady foundation for Dolphy's lyrical, inspired flights of fancy. Dolphy has a certain cool reserve here that'll keep you coming back for more. Another standout is the unaccompanied bass clarinet reading of the Billie Holiday classic "God Bless the Child," where Dolphy caresses the melancholy melody before exploring it thoroughly, with several moments that anticipate the minimalist esthetic of composers Philip Glass and Steve Reich. Beautifully recorded and remastered, IN EUROPE VOL. 1 is essential for Dolphy fans, and recommended as a good starting point for others.

Genre:

• Jazz

Music Categories:

• Jazz Instrument: Saxophone