xxviii. DOLPHY, Eric (1928-1964)
July 16, 1961. The Five Spot.
The tune is by Little. It sounds just like its title, aggressive, but controlled.
After a 22-bar vamp, the head is played in unison by Little and Dolphy, except for the last note of each phrase, where Eric lands on a funny note.
The B section is a bit plaintive, slightly tender. The A section flows back into the initial vamp until
Booker's solo -- which literally jumps out at you and wails. The intensity never lets up. Blackwell punctuates, Waldron fills and the excitement never flags.
Eric takes over and simply flies. He runs and jumps and screams with his bass clarinet. You'll never hear another bass clarinetist quite like Eric again.
Waldron takes his time beginning his solo. Rhythmic, rapid flowing phrases overtake each other, as Davis and Blackwell listen carefully, keeping up with Mal's changing ideas.
Davis plays a mostly walking solo, with only Blackwell accompanying.
Little and Dolphy then trade fours for a bit, leading to an inventive Blackwell solo.
Vamp, head and out.
A great great masterpiece.
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