Eric Dolphy - The Complete Uppsala Concert (1961) [1993]

The ninety-minute performance is a quartet date from Uppsala, just northwest of Stockholm. Joining the leader's alto, bass clarinet, and flute are pianist Ronny Johansson, bassist Kurt Lindgren, and drummer Rune Carlsson. Listeners of European jazz are no doubt aware of the future credentials of the rhythm section, and research shows a handful of sessions by the pianist in the '70s.

Dolphy is, as always, the main attraction. What sets this disc apart is the material, in both good and bad ways. Good because the unfamiliarity of the group resulted in lots of rare covers played for the only (or almost only) time, such as "Laura (Mercer-Raskin), "52nd Street Theme (the Monk theme appearing twice briefly), "Bag's Groove (Milt Jackson), and "When Lights are Low (Carter-Williams). But this left little room for Dolphy's own compositions; indeed, only "245 is self-penned.



Tracks:

CD1
1. What is This Thing Called Love (Cole Porter) 4:26
2. 245 (Eric Dolphy) 20:40
3. Laura (David Raksin) 6:56
4. 52nd St. Theme (Thelonious Monk) 1:46
5. Bag's Groove (Milt Jackson) 14:07

CD2
1. Out of Nowhere (Johnny Green / Edward Heyman) 12:46
2. I'll Remember April (Don Raye / Gene Depaul / Patricia Johnston) 14:31
3. 52nd St. Theme (Thelonious Monk) 0:49
4. When Lights are Low (Benny Carter) 15:58

Personnel:

Eric Dolphy: alto sax, flute, bass clarinet
Rony Johansson: piano
Kurt Lindgren: bass
Rune Carlsson: drums