This very likable set,
Eric Dolphy's first as a leader, has been reissued as a single CD and (along with some alternate takes) on
Dolphy's huge
The Complete Prestige Recordings box set. Teamed up with the young trumpeter
Freddie Hubbard, pianist
Jaki Byard, bassist
George Tucker, and drummer
Roy Haynes,
Dolphy introduces his tribute to
Gerald Wilson, "G.W.," and rips into "On Green Dolphin Street," stretches out on flute on "Glad to Be Unhappy," and takes a memorable bass clarinet solo on the delightful "Miss Toni."
Hubbard and
Byard are also both in good form. A perfect introduction to
Eric Dolphy's versatile talents, this boppish set is more accessible than many of
Dolphy's more innovative recordings. Recommended.
–
Scott Yanow, Rovi