Eric Allan Dolphy, born June 20, 1928 and died June 29, 1964, was a jazz musician who played alto and flute as well as bass clarinet. He was educated at Los Angeles City College. Dolphy was the jazz’s first soloist for the bass clarinet and a viable flute soloist. He occasionally played the traditional B-flat clarinet on early recordings. His distinctive style used wide intervals and speech-like effects, as well as exotic scales. Dolphy was a big fan of classical music from his early training. Dolphy recorded Edgard Varese’s Density 21.5 solo flute and other classical[ works. He also participated in many third-stream efforts. Dolphy’s music is often referred to as free jazz. However, he insists that his solos and compositions are rooted in harmony, even if they are not always orthodox. Ornette Coleman is frequently compared to Dolphy. Dolphy’s live performances were recorded on numerous occasions. These recordings have been released by many dubious labels and drifted in and out of print since. 1964 saw Dolphy sign with Blue Note and record Out To Lunch. The label once again insisted that the title include the word “out”. Dolphy’s solos were as unpredictable and dissonant as any he recorded, this album is deeply rooted in avant-garde. Out To Lunch was a landmark in modern jazz and influenced a whole generation of musicians. Dolphy and Bobby Hutcherson formed an alliance on this album. They had previously recorded together in the past year. His relationship with Hutcherson, along with his work on Point of Departure with Andrew Hill, is one of the most fascinating might-have been’s in jazz history. Blue Note’s 1964 recording Out to Lunch by Dolphy is not only considered his best, but also one of the most important jazz recordings. Dolphy wanted to settle in Europe, as his fiance was a Parisian ballerina. However, he died in Berlin on June 29, 1964 from a diabetes attack. Doctors believed it was caused by malnourishment. He is still a legend. The Jesuit Intitution at LeMoyne College has named it “Dolphy Day” in his honor. Dolphy’s music and legend are honored on this day. This day is a day that celebrates college life and allows for fun and carefree college socializing. Eric Dolphy was honored with a bronze sculpture in life-size that is the only one of its type worldwide, on April 7, 2010. This marked the 40th anniversary Dolphy Day. Text contributed by users is available under Creative Commons By–SA License. It may also be available under GNU FDL.
