Oh how I LOVE this song. Not only is this best recording of Meditations, but it is also one of the most emotional and deep songs I have ever heard. You can tell that these cats are just pouring their souls into this song! The solos are incredible and just full of expression! Eric Dolphy's solo is by far the best solo I've heard on this song. I also love how they transition to that dark and mournful part at the beginning! This is just fucking magic right here.
Thank you for this. Had the vinyl years back & it was stolen, among other things, one of my very favourite recordings. so very happy to hear it again. Incredible talent, musicians, & music.
Thanks so much for posting this sample from Town Hall, glad to hear it was so well recorded. Excellent version of "Meditations", ("Praying with Eric" even better title.) Happy to add to youtube playlist and discography, search on "mingus dolphy 1964 tour"
I went to see them 3 times on this European Tour in 1964 and got hooked on Eric Dolphy for life. What an extraordinary experience it was to see these guys 'live' in concert and actually have the chance to talk to them individually after the show :)
Hey that's so cool I saw then in Wuppertal and talked to Eric Dolphy afterwards. It was primarily because of his kind words and advice that I became a Jazz Musician and I have been one ever since. This tune became part of my DNA
Please, share what both of you talked with all of them! Specially Dolphy and Mingus (i'm a relatively young Dolphy fan, 22 years old, and there is not much in terms of interviews or what he had to say)
Hi Maick Eric told me to try to play what i heard in m y head. He told me not to copy others on the same instrument, in my case Trombone, but try to honest in my individuality. So many musicans just copy others and never try for individualism but are cotent with the status cuo Be original he told me. Be honest and never ever give up but practice every day because even when it's not going so well you have to maintain the belief that you have something to offer, even if it's just for yourself. That was many years ago but i still practice everyday. and finally such tunes as Giant Steps hold no fear for me. In other words for better or for worse I became a professional jazz musician God Bless you Eric Dolphy.
Hey! ! Grahame Rhodes I really appreciate you sharing this with us. That Wuppertal concert was a Heavy Heavy night of music. Huge props to you for remembering, heeding, and sharing Eric's words. Hope to see you on a bandstand somewhere someday---all the best! from another person named Graham
I'm sure Minus played & recorded this many times. This is the third recording I've heard. The other 2 being Live at the Jazz Workshop w/Jane Getz & John Handy replacing Byard & Dolphy and the 1 on Europe, which had the same personnel as this 1.
