The Illinois Concert
by Eric Dolphy

From TheDude85 06/27/2019 15:51 | #238462

Avant-garde multi-instrumentalist lead this quartet through a two set show at the University Of Illinois-Champaign in early 1963. Eric Dolphy on Bass Clarinet,Flute and Alto Saxophone; Herbie Hancock on Piano; Eddie Khan on Bass; and J.C. Moses on Drums. The quartet was recorded live for a local radio station and lost for 35 years later the recording was issued as this LP/CD. The record captures Dolphy at his free-form height, exhibiting the quartet at their most improvisational. While controversial at the time and sometimes referred to as "anti-jazz", the sets reveal an arranger doing what he loved before an audience who hadn't caught up to where he was musically and where he was going. The nearly 21 minute opener displays Dolphy soloing on the heretofore obscure bass clarinet. Hancock at the piano keeps it all together. Dolphy's own composition "Something Sweet, Something Tender" follows up with a taste of what would become a longer composition in future performances. The third track offers Dolphy performing alone on what was to become one of his most recognizeable songs. The tour-de-force Dolphy compostion "Iron Man" puts forth one of Dolphy's most acclaimed efforts. Later Dolphy's Quartet is joined by members of the University of Illinois big band ensemble for "Red Planet" and "G.W." A truly lost treasure and important work is necessary for any jazz lover.