In 1963 (probably July, though some sources place the dates in May or June),
Eric Dolphy recorded some sessions in New York with producer
Alan Douglas, the fruits of which were issued on small labels as the LPs
Conversations and
Iron Man. They've been reissued a number of times on various labels, occasionally compiled together, but never with quite the treatment they deserve (which is perhaps why they're not as celebrated as they should be). In whatever form, though, it's classic, essential
Dolphy that stands as some of his finest work past
Out to Lunch.
Conversations is the more eclectic of the two, featuring radical re-imaginings of three standards, plus the jubilant, Caribbean-flavored "Music Matador" (by ensemble members
Prince Lasha on flute and
Sonny Simmons on alto). That cut, and a classic inside/outside reworking of
Fats Waller's "Jitterbug Waltz" feature
Dolphy leading ensembles of up-and-coming "new thing" players, which prominently feature vibist
Bobby Hutcherson and trumpeter
Woody Shaw. The second half of the album takes a far more minimalist approach, with
Dolphy performing unaccompanied (extremely rare prior to
Anthony Braxton's For Alto) on "Love Me." "Alone Together" is an over-13-minute duet between
Dolphy and bassist
Richard Davis, featuring some astoundingly telepathic exchanges that more than justify its length. 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. [Fuel reissued the album in 2000.] ~ Steve Huey