Where?

About

This 1961 set has appeared under Eric Dolphy's name, but it i, in fact, bassist Ron Carter's date -- his first as a leader. Carter and Dolphy had played together in Chico Hamilton's group and on Dolphy's important 1960 date Out There. Where? has elements in common with both, but is closer to Hamilton's late-'50s chamber jazz than to the more outward-bound Dolphy date. As on the Dolphy session, Carter is heard on cello for three of the six track. Carter's skill is undeniable, but his playing on Where? is a bit polite and monochromatic. The easygoing duet with George Duvivier, for example, is a quiet, back-porch conversation that makes few demands on either of these bass giant. Dolphy -- playing bass clarinet, alto sax, and flute -- is a far more interesting prospect, even if he doesn't blow his face off to the extent he did in other setting. Pianist Mal Waldron is characteristically dry, economical, and swinging. Drummer Charlie Persip quietly impresses with thoughtful, detailed work. Duvivier is on bass when Carter plays cello. The tracks comprise two Carter original, two standard, and a pair of Randy Weston number. Weston's "Saucer Eye," the album's best track, features a strong group performance, a superbly laconic statement from Waldron, Dolphy's ebullient flute, and captivating brush work from Persip. Carter's "Rally," with Dolphy's freewheeling bass clarinet and the composer's most adventurous cello work on this set, is closest in spirit to Dolphy's own dates from this period. Bass – George Duvivier Bass Clarinet, Alto Saxophone, Flute – Eric Dolphy Ba, Cello – Ron Carter Drums – Charles Persip Piano – Mal Waldron Recorded in Englewood Cliff, NJ; June 20, 1961. Recorded By – Rudy Van Gelder Supervised By – Esmond Edwards Liner Notes – Joe Goldberg Recorded At – Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliff, New Jersey Remastered By – Phil De Lancie .

via Last.fm

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