Classical music played a large role in Dolphy's early training and remained important to him. Dolphy performed and recorded Edgard Varese's Density 21.5 for solo flute as well as other classical[ works, and participated heavily in Third Stream efforts. Dolphy's work is sometimes classified as free jazz, though he insisted that his compositions and solos were grounded in a thorough, if occasionally unorthodox, use of harmony. He is often compared to Ornette Coleman.
Numerous recordings were made of live performances by Dolphy, and these have been issued by many sometimes dubious record labels, drifting in and out of print ever since. In 1964, Dolphy signed with the legendary Blue Note label and recorded Out To Lunch (once again, the label insisted on using "out" in the title). This album was deeply rooted in the avant garde, and Dolphy's solos are as dissonant and unpredictable as anything he ever recorded. Out To Lunch was deeply influential for a generation of jazz players, and remains a cornerstone in the modern jazz movement. On this album, Dolphy cemented an association with Bobby Hutcherson (they had also recorded together the previous year). Together with his work with Andrew Hill on the pianist's Point of Departure, his working relationship with Hutcherson is one of the intriguing might-have-been's of jazz history. Dolphy's 1964 Blue Note recording Out to Lunch is often regarded not only as his finest, but also as one of the greatest jazz recordings.
Dolphy had intended to settle in Europe (his fiancé was working as a ballerina in Paris) but he died in Berlin from a diabetic attack (which doctors believed was due to malnourishment) on June 29, 1964.
He still remains a legend.
He is honored by the Jesuit institution of LeMoyne College, where there is an annual event called "Dolphy Day." This day is held to honor the music and legend of Dolphy. The day has become a symbol of carefree, college fun, a time to be with friends outdoors on the first beautiful day of Spring. The 40th anniversary of Dolphy Day, celebrated April 7, 2010, honored Eric Dolphy with a life-size bronze sculpture that is the only one of its kind in the world.
On Green Dolphin Street
Eric Dolphy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
Romance was the theme
And we were the players
I never think of this without a sigh
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
On Green Dolphin Street
The lyrics of Eric Dolphy's "On Green Dolphin Street" describe a bittersweet memory of a romance that took place on Green Dolphin Street, which served as a seemingly dreamlike and unforgettable setting for the singer to fall in love. The song reminisces about the beautiful moments that were shared on this street, with the man and the woman being the players of this romantic story. The lyrics express a sense of longing and nostalgia, as the singer remembers the "moments apart" and "memories [that] live in [their] heart[s]".
The song captures the essence of what it feels like to have loved and lost, and how a place can come to symbolize a special moment in time. The story of the romance on Green Dolphin Street is relatable, and the song acts as a reminder that we all have special memories that we hold dear, even when times have changed.
Overall, Eric Dolphy's "On Green Dolphin Street" portrays the beauty of love and how it can leave a lasting impression on our lives, even when it's over.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
Although it feels like a distant and surreal memory, I know that it truly occurred
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
There was a man and a woman who shared a fleeting romance that ended abruptly with a goodbye kiss
Romance was the theme
The central theme of their brief relationship was undoubtedly romance and passion
And we were the players
The man and the woman were the main characters in this romantic story
I never think of this without a sigh
Whenever I reflect on this memory, I can't help but sigh wistfully
Lover, one lovely day
Addressing the lover he once had and recalling a particular day that stands out in his mind
Love came, planning to stay
Describing how love arrived and seemed like it would remain with them for a long time
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
Referring to the location where they had this romantic experience, which was the street named 'Green Dolphin'
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
The place where they spent memorable nights that would never be forgotten
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
Even though they're no longer together, these memories are still alive and well in the artist's heart
When I recall the love I found on
When the singer remembers the love they once shared
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
The memories are so powerful and meaningful that the artist feels grateful and would even kiss the ground of Green Dolphin Street where those memories were made
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Tratore, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: BRONISLAW KAPER, NED WASHINGTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@matthewpaterson5216
Eric Dolphy rocks the bass clarinet.
@BrucknerMotet
My love of the low reeds straddles classical and jazz. Although the top low reed players know they CAN do wrong (and any instrumentalist worth their salt will admit to scores of mistakes having been made throughout a career, professional and amateur), my basic attitude towards the low reeds lovingly lingers in the "they can do no wrong" zone. Good on you!
@patrickcotto4707
This ensemble is a progressive mix of extraordinary talent
@bobwilson360
My favorite version of this tune.
@waltermuller1262
Mine is the one by Wynton Kelly
@marylawrey125
One of my favorite jazz pieces.
@steecaz
I allways call it "on green dolphy street"
@bigboyjazz9000
Dolphy is playing bass clarinet, though...
@justincooper1626
thanks for that!
@davewhiteford6511
I love The sound of The bass clarinet, Eric Dolphy was a master... X