This CD reissue has rarities from three different
Eric Dolphy sessions. "April Fool" and the alternate take of "G.W." are drawn from
Dolphy's initial date as a leader, a quintet outing with trumpeter
Freddie Hubbard and pianist
Jaki Byard. "Don't Blame Me" is taken from a Copenhagen concert but it is the two remaining numbers ("Status Seeking" and an unaccompanied rendition on bass clarinet of "God Bless the Child") that are of greatest interest. The latter cuts are taken from
Dolphy's legendary gig at the Five Spot Cafe with trumpeter
Booker Little, pianist
Mal Waldron, bassist
Richard Davis and drummer
Ed Blackwell, not duplicating the seven more famous performances that are often thought of as the group's entire output. Although it is easy to think of this set on a whole as containing "leftovers,"
Dolphy's strong playing on alto, flute and bass clarinet makes the music of strong interest to his fans. ~ Scott Yanow