Biography

Eric Dolphy (1928-1964) was one of the most innovative musicians of the 21st century. He had equal mastery on the alto saxophone, flute, and bass clarinet, an instrument which was almost unheard of in jazz before his prolific contributions. Extremely large intervallic leaps, advanced atonal patterns, and extended techniques which recall the sounds of whales and birds were all trademarks of his style. In addition to having over 30 albums in his own name, he contributed as a sideman to over 50 albums by his contemporaries such as John Coltrane, Charles Mingus, and Oliver Nelson. By all accounts, he was a kind and generous soul with a serious work ethic.