Eric Dolphy with the Platters.

[sgcim]

21 hours ago, JSngry said:

All I know is that the Milestone records were HOT from the git-go, got great reviews and plenty of press. And he assembled and kept a great live unit(s) to take out on the road. Records/press/gigs, that's a cycle that builds on itself if properly executed.

That, and backing. The part of the story I've yet to hear is where the initial backing for this endeavor came from. Agent, record label, family friend, gambling winnings, who know, I don't?

and we both know that it's very possible that the Platters didn't have a clue that it was either Eric Dolphy or Don Byas on their gigs. Gigs like that, then and now, go through either a contractor or the musical director, not the artist (unless it's a personal favor for somebody). Even the big bands, if Basie needed a sub, Basie didn't find him, you know. Studio sessions too, especially for singers, the singer wouldn't generally be hiring the players. The got people for that!

Yeah, but my point is the R&B/Hip Hop groups of today don't even use contractors.