Eric Dolphy American jazz musician Date of Birth: 20.06.1928 Country: USA

1. Biography of Eric Dolphy
2. Early Career
3. Experimental Style
4. John Coltrane Quintet and Later Years
5. Legacy and Tragic End

Biography of Eric Dolphy

Eric Dolphy was an American jazz musician known for his unique style of playing the alto saxophone, flute, and bass clarinet. He was born on June 20, 1928, in Los Angeles, California. Despite his music falling into the avant-garde category, Dolphy did not shy away from incorporating traditional elements, although his compositions were always abstract.

Early Career

In the late 1940s, Eric Dolphy recorded with Roy Porter and his orchestra in Los Angeles before serving in the army. In the following years, he played in clubs until joining the Chico Hamilton Quintet in 1958. In 1959, he settled in New York and soon became a member of The Charles Mingus Quartet.

Experimental Style

In the early 1960s, Dolphy began to face difficulties in finding work due to his progressive and unconventional style of playing. He performed infrequently in 1960-1961, but his performances could be heard at the New York jazz cafe "Five Spot" alongside trumpeter Booker Little, Ornette Coleman, and in several European concerts.

John Coltrane Quintet and Later Years

In late 1961, Dolphy joined the John Coltrane Quintet, whose playing was often criticized by conservative critics as "anti-jazz" due to their long and free-spirited solo performances. From 1962 to 1963, Dolphy played in the United States Army Band and nearly abandoned his own group. In 1964, he recorded his classic composition "Out to Lunch for Blue Note" and went on a European tour with The Charles Mingus Sextet.

Legacy and Tragic End

While in Europe and after giving several concerts, Eric Dolphy tragically passed away in Berlin at the age of thirty-six from diabetic coma on June 29, 1964. Almost all of Dolphy's compositions have been published. Additionally, Dolphy can be seen in a film released by Shanachie Records featuring John Coltrane and Charles Mingus.