Tonight's Jazz Feature: Eric Dolphy: "Outward Bound"

This classic album is tonight's Jazz Feature recorded 64 years ago on April 1, 1960 at Rudy Van Gelder's Studio for Prestige/New Jazz Records. It was Eric's first album under his name and leadership. Dolphy, who was from Los Angeles had moved to New York and after working in L.A. for many years came to New York as a member of drummer Chico Hamilton's Quintet. After leaving Hamilton and settling in the big city, Eric began working with Charles Mingus in early 1960 and recorded this album with his room mate, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard. Eric wisely selected veteran drummer Roy Haynes and a strong bassist named George Tucker plus piano giant Jaki Byard who he met in the Mingus band. They formed a very cohesive band for this date and it sounds like a working band. The date is a classic and marked the real beginning of Eric's short but eventful career. His unique compositions are heard here as well as his alto saxophone, bass clarinet and flute. Eric sadly died at age 36 in Germany from undiagnosed diabetes. "Outward Bound" stands as a great early milestone to Eric's life and music. It's tonight's Jazz Feature.