Eric Dolphy Conversations Import LP (Clear Vinyl)

Sowing Records present a reissue of Eric Dolphy's Conversations, originally released in 1963. A landmark in Eric Dolphy's discography, Conversations is the result of a historical studio session held in New York in 1963 with Dolphy at the core of various lineup configurations featuring a bunch of young innovators like Prince Lasha, Sonny Simmons, Woody Shaw, Bobby Hutcherson, Clifford Jordan, Richard Davis, etc. Each of the four tracks is a fine example of Dolphy's highly eclectic language including an alto sax solo of rare beauty ("Love Me"), a landmark duet with Richard Davis ("Alone Together") and two magnificent quintet pieces ("Jitterbug Waltz" and "Music Matador"). A real piece of art from a true jazz genius in the early New Thing era.

Even if the selections don't completely hang together as an LP statement, they're united by Dolphy's generally brilliant playing and a sense that - after several years without entering the studio much as a leader - Dolphy was really striving to push his (and others') music forward. The results are richly rewarding, making Conversations one of the landmarks in his catalog.