Dolphy only ever acknowledged Charlie Parker as an influence, and he wrote tunes in memory of Parker. And I don’t doubt that Bird was a model, because one of the characteristics of most really influential artists like Parker is that their work implies any number of different directions. From Bird, you get Dolphy, but also Ornette and Cannonball, among others—all very different from each other.
You should ask Herb Geller, who’s still alive isn’t he? Who and What were they listening to in high school? Those two and Vi Redd were classmates at Dorsey High in Los Angeles. I’ve also occasionally wondered about Sonny Criss. He was born the same year as Eric, and one must assume they crossed paths on the LA scene.
Lewis, I am deeply moved by the depth of your interest in varieties of improvised jazz and their practitioners. Here's what I can add to this thread: Eric also studied classical clarinet with Ola Ebinger (with whom I also studied from around age 6 to 8), so who knows what she exposed him to. Eric came to Ojai to play classically-based Ojai Festivals in 1961, playing Varese's "Density 21.5" for flute solo, and in a Gunther Schuller-led ensemble that played versions of Monk and more. During this time, my parents met Eric's parents and his mother told mine that sometimes he would play a single note all day. So an expansive mind early on. As to Lloyd Reese, I knew Wilbur Brown, who also studied with Lloyd, and my feeling from his recollections was Lloyd was pretty much harmony and melody, not out.
Any thoughts about the influence of his teacher Lloyd Reese?
You should ask Herb Geller, who’s still alive isn’t he? Who and What were they listening to in high school? Those two and Vi Redd were classmates at Dorsey High in Los Angeles. I’ve also occasionally wondered about Sonny Criss. He was born the same year as Eric, and one must assume they crossed paths on the LA scene.
Lewis, I am deeply moved by the depth of your interest in varieties of improvised jazz and their practitioners. Here's what I can add to this thread: Eric also studied classical clarinet with Ola Ebinger (with whom I also studied from around age 6 to 8), so who knows what she exposed him to. Eric came to Ojai to play classically-based Ojai Festivals in 1961, playing Varese's "Density 21.5" for flute solo, and in a Gunther Schuller-led ensemble that played versions of Monk and more. During this time, my parents met Eric's parents and his mother told mine that sometimes he would play a single note all day. So an expansive mind early on. As to Lloyd Reese, I knew Wilbur Brown, who also studied with Lloyd, and my feeling from his recollections was Lloyd was pretty much harmony and melody, not out.
very interesting. thanks for this.
I'm still wondering if there will ever be another dolphy biography. I believe one was published in France not too long ago.