Eric Dolphy, one of my true heroes of jazz is misunderstood by many while loved and admired by those open to hear and feel the music. Eric was born and raised right here in Los Angeles and graduated from Dorsey High School. His music changed and inspired a culture of musicians and non-musicians alike who understand the dimension of no borders.
Proficient on the soprano, alto, clarinet, bass clarinet, and flute, Eric took his instruments beyond the boundaries of their initial purpose. What is Eric Dolphy all about? Sounds, space, conversation, adventure, provocative progressive cognizance, and an exploration for all that exist in the realm of jazz music. Music inside and outside of the structure.
Jazz is an amoeba that can take different shapes and forms at any given moment do to the presence, or lack there of, of some other extraneous variables. Quite often there is beauty in imperfection. Going for notes that are off of the charts and not particularly getting the perfect sound may seem odd for most. But, much respect is given because of the thought and the balls to go to a place that did not exist before. To seek out that which lies outside the boundaries set by an establishment and gerrymander new dimensions and dividing lines to conquer is what separates those with musical courage from all others. Eric was the one who could speak, scream, shout or not play one note and be heard loud and clear. That is the power of Eric Dolphy!
Tonight the Luckman Jazz Orchestra performed “Mostly Dolphy” music. He may not have written everything we heard but, he left his undeniable stamp all over the music. Many of LA’s fine musicians were performing tonight; Bennie Maupin, Charles Owens, Ndugu Chancelor, Isaac Smith( by way of Brooklyn), Bill Roper, Jeff Littleton and many others graced the stage at the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State Los Angeles to honor and great musician, composer and man of jazz; Eric Allen Dolphy.
A multitalented instrumentalist and one hell of a talent, Eric would evoke some serious conversations among musicians, critics and laymen alike. Either you get it or you don’t. If you are one who gets lost in the cacophony, you have probably been subconsciously programmed by radio, television or some form of advertising that told you what to like and buy. Free yourself from the confines of your mental prison and step outside into the light with your ears wide open. Feel it, become it, speak with it, enjoy it and be welcomed into the matrix of jazz.
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