So this is it. The first record of my new career as jazz vinyl collector.
I found the album while sorting through a box of records at the Ely Saturday market. I asked the stall holder if it would play as the cover and disc both looked equally scuzzy.
The stall holder took a quick look at the vinyl, took a longer look at me (perhaps sizing me up as a potential future customer) and said I could have it for free!
The album was recorded in 1963. My version was released on the Prestige label in 1964.
The line-up was:
- Eric Dolphy: Alto sax, bass clarinet, flute
- Freddie Hubbard: Trumpet
- Jaki Byard: Piano
- George Tucker: Bass
- Roy Haynes: Drums
As you can see from the pictures below, this album has been well used (and perhaps abused). Still, it’s a nice piece of cover art with Eric looking instense and serious in his Hawaiian/African shirt
The back cover contains an essay by Robert Levin, and a tea stain or something in the bottom right corner.
As for the music. Dolphy is a little left-field for my taste, the album tends towards the experimental which is fine if you like that kind of thing (I don’t, much). Also, a few of the tracks have Eric playing clarinet or flute, both of which I don’t really want with my jazz.
However, there are some great moments, the first two tracks, G.W. and Green Dolphin Street stand out for me with some fine trumpet from Freddie Hubbard. Actually, Levin, in his essay, chides Hubbard for not being experimental enough, personally I’ll salute Mr Hubbard for that, I’ll certainly be on the look out for more from him.
The album is hissy and scratchy in places but it plays all the way through, nothing distracting as such.
Ratings
- Overall hepness: 2.5/5
- Cover art: 3/5
- Condition of vinyl: 2/5
- Cost: 5/5
- Overall rating: 12.5 / 20
Here’s Green Dolphin Street: