ERIC DOPHY
The Illinois Concert (Blue Note)
Reviewed by DJ Johnson

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At face value, this is a live recording of Eric Dolphy from the 11th Festival of Contemporary Arts at the University of Illinois, March 10th, 1963. But it's much, much more than that.

This is Dolphy during a time when he wasn't making many live appearances as a leader, and it's a chance to hear him in a different setting, sans-trumpeter and featuring Herbie Hancock (then 22) in place of his usual pianist, Jaki Byard. As adventurous as ever, Dolphy stretched out in this less crowded setting, letting the music go where it would and even allowing himself an 8:46 solo performance of "God Bless The Child" that is absolutely mesmerizing.

The chemistry changes only slightly on the 12:29 performance of "Red Planet" with the addition of the nine members of the University of Illinois Brass Ensemble. They take on only an ornamental role, adding a dreamy texture behind Dolphy's solos. The more dramatic change comes on the final track, "G.W.," which features the University Of Illinois Big Band in a traditional big band roll, providing Dolphy with a challenge he was obviously more than up to.

Dolphy's flute work on "South Street Exit" is, unfortunately, buried in the mix (or, more likely, in the original recording), but with your ear to the speaker your jaw hits the floor. We're talking about some of the most exciting jazz flute playing you could ever hope to hear, inventive and intuitive, alternately soaring and diving like a seagull in a ship's air stream. Following that solo must have been daunting, but young Herbie Hancock just nailed it on the head, allowing no letdown in creativity or energy. This rare grouping, featuring Dolphy, Hancock, bassist Eddie Khan and drummer J.C. Moses, found a lot of magic that evening.

The truth is that these players were always creative in their improvisations, but it's fun to speculate here because Dolphy had participated in a forum on improvisation that afternoon, one which apparently turned into a heated debate. Was that extra fuel for Dolphy's flights that evening? Could be. Either way, The Illinois Concert is an entertaining and intriguing addition to the collection of any jazz fan with an adventurous ear. And as an historical missing link, it's an indispensable disc for Dolphy fans.

Track List:

Softly As In A Morning Sunrise * Something Sweet, Something Tender * God Bless The Child * South Street Exit * Iron Man * Red Planet * G.W.

© 1999 - DJ Johnson