Multi Instrumentalist Eric Dolphy: "Outward Bound"

This was the startling debut recording by Eric Dolphy. It was his first under his name. Today is the 59th anniversary of the date as it was recorded on April 1,1960. Eric was from L.A. and had settled in New York and was soon playing a variety of gigs and had joined Charles Mingus' Jazz Workshop. Prestige (New Jazz) was on the search for new talent at this time and Eric was introduced to the label and given carte blanche to pick a band and record, This album was the result. Eric was a virtuoso and a fearless improviser on all his horns, the alto saxophone, the bass clarinet and the flute. Eric picked his room mate of the time, a young Freddie Hubbard to share the front line with him. Jaki Byard was on piano and newly arrived from Boston and his concept adds greatly to this album's success. George Tucker on bass was recommended to Eric by Mingus and on drums was none other than a perennial favorite, "Mr. Snap-Crackle"....Roy Haynes. Four of the six tunes are by Eric and they show his compositional talent. Eric's version of "On Green Dolphin Street" features his bass clarinet and the ballad, the obscure "Glad To Be Unhappy" spotlights his flute. As an added treat a short blues with Eric on flute and the rhythm section is added. It was never issued on the original CD and the vinyl. All in all a major debut for an artist whose life and creativity was cut short by illness at age 36. There will never be another Eric Dolphy. Outward Bound tonight!