*** Eric Dolphy ***

[ep1str0phy]

Makes me wonder if Ron Carter did any live dates on the cello with Dolphy. Love them 1/4 tones.

Maybe I'm in a minority but I really don't like Carter's cello playing, at least in the 60s.

Guy

I'm serious about those 1/4 tones.

In the right moments, Carter's cello playing can be remarkably effective. I'd heard the anecdote that he was sick while recording "The Quest"--apocryphal or no? Regardless, I can't hear a substantial difference between his facility on the Waldron date and "Out There"--and I'm a tremendous fan of both sessions. I think he can drag, but the angularity of that cello sound is (usually) an asset--especially on ballads, especially bowed. At the very least, he's a great foil for Dolphy--grounded in convention, slightly askew. I couldn't imagine those New Jazz dates without him.

[clifford_thornton]

I prefer Calo Scott, but Carter isn't bad. Definitely better form on The Quest.

[Chalupa]

Happy 78th Eric!

Working my way through the Prestige box today