Eric Dolphy

The Profile

Eric Dolphy (1928–1964) was an American jazz multi-instrumentalist celebrated for alto saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute. A pivotal voice in avant‑garde and free jazz, he recorded seminal albums including Out to Lunch! (1964) for Blue Note and worked with Charles Mingus and John Coltrane. He died in Berlin in 1964.

American jazz multi-instrumentalist (alto saxophone, bass clarinet, flute). Key figure in avant‑garde and free jazz; recorded for Prestige and Blue Note. Collaborated with Charles Mingus, John Coltrane, and Oliver Nelson. Signature album: Out to Lunch! (1964). Died in Berlin in 1964.

A single, glowing review crowns Out to Lunch! as Eric Dolphy’s finest hour and a cornerstone of free jazz. The piece highlights Dolphy’s multi-instrumental brilliance, the fearless Blue Note lineup (Hubbard, Williams, Hutcherson), and the striking piano-less textures. Five adventurous tracks step outside conventions yet retain a startling balance.