Eric Dolphy's Green Dolphin Street from 1960's "Outward Bound" is hands-down favorite Dolphy track - so I transcribed it. (download it here: earspasm.link/... and play it yourself!)
Dolphy started actually on Bb clarinet not sax. He was a classical player clarinetist in the 50's and auditioned for the Philadelphia Philharmonic aceing the audtion but later being denied because because he was black.
You do such wonderful, valuable work and content with such pleasant and creative presentation. Thank you from a fellow 76 year old life-long clarinetist/teacher. (No, I don’t mean you’re also 76.) I’m so inspired and appreciative. Sincere best wishes.
He started on clarinet, then alto sax, then flute. He was a classically trained clarinetist that auditioned for the Philadelphia Philharmonic. Coltrane didn't get Dolphy's alto only the bass clarinet and flute which Coltrane later played in recordings.
Clarinet nerd here lol. You are correct but there is more to the story of vintage Selmer bass clarinets I though you might be interested in. The "Series 9" is not necessarily a uniquely model, it was essentially a rebadging of the "No. 32" bass clarinet. If you look up the 1953 Selmer catalog it will be on page 8. The model is described as: "No. 32 - 18 keys, covered finger holes, single automatic octave key, articulated G#, low Eb key, extra Eb-Ab lever." This model was available from the 1950s to the 1970s. During the period that the Series 9 was available, some low clarinets were also marked "Series 9" though there was no difference in design. In the early 60s Selmer started offering nickel plating and you will find that most "Series 9" bass clarinets and those made after are nickel plated, thought there are a few silver plated Mazzeo Series 9 instruments. From the pictures I've seen it seems that Dolphy likely have a few different instruments over the years, most if not all of which were Selmer 32s. This makes sense as it was one of the best and most popular bass clarinets of the era. Great video!
it's amazing thanks. i only have one remark, i would put the chord changes on top of the solo transcription because it's always very important to see how he was thinking about the changes while learning a solo for the rest its a great gift, thanks Michael
Tackling anything Eric Dolphy is a feat! I've never finished a whole solo but even the shortest lines can be a bear! It's nice to hear people talking about tone and sound rather than always going straight to harmonic analysis. Thanks for the great videos.
Always love these breakdown-style transcription videos! I think it’s a really worthwhile practice to reconstruct the playing style of such wonderful players. It brings to light some great perspectives on how to approach technique and performance. If you want another challenge just for fun… try performing in the style of John Coltrane’s soprano sax playing, on soprano clarinet. I was looking for an approachable tune of his in my Omnibook for a student, and happened upon Central Park West. As I listened to his recording, I decided to try and emulate his sound on my horn on a whim… it was not easy, to say the least.
Dolphy studied clarinet and bass clarinet with a teacher in Los Angeles when he was young. I believe the man’s name was Merle Johnston. According to Vladimir Simosko’s biography of Eric, the teacher showed him methods of manipulating mouthpieces and other skills to get a big sound. The full story of Eric’s student years needs more research and may never be fully known. His parents knew quite a bit and they did give some interviews. Assertions about studies with Joe Allard and the Philadelphia Orchestra audition are intriguing but, short of actual evidence, possibly apocryphal. Allard is believable but Philly? Let’s see some proof.
Eric Dolphy, simply one of the greatest musicians of all time too me. This man is pure inspiration and energy. His early death was such a shame... Not to beleave how he would have directed jazz and other music even more into it´s modernity. Than you SO MUCH for the Video!!!
Awesome work! When I transcribed GBtC (his earliest recording), I also theorized that he doesn’t just flap his fingers around, but that he’s actually playing deliberate alternate fingerings and overtones. This makes sense because he studied for a short time with Joe Allard, the overtone “guy.” I’m hoping to do a video about it like yours!
You have done something I have always wanted to do. Bravo!!! I can’t wait to play your transcriptions and try some of the Eric Dolphy techniques you described. This makes me want to break my bass out of its case. I have been mostly playing orchestral soprano clarinets lately and not as much bass. This is an inspiration. Thank you.
Perfect video for me. I fashion myself an Eric dolphy disciple, though at the moment I only play the baritone sax, in the future I want to play the bass clarinet. Thanks for this!
Fantastic teacher I have felt all that emotion. Ask the teacher I use my lower teeth a little at times for notes on treble it is valid. I was always taught with the lower teeth
Hey Michael. I have been looking all over the internet for a piece of clarinet need apocrypha that I once read that said Dolphy played on a Conn for some recordings that went down to low "D". If I find the thread I'll post it.
i like to call the "correct" fingerings "preferred fingerings." because, according to eric dolphy, the incorrect fingerings are valid and have some utility. They're just not great for being held out so you can hear how thin and flat they are.
teh spewtoob algojizms, are scaring the hell outa' me! how did they know that i play bass clari, c and alto flutes, saxes as well as other instruments??? Great Vid! My dad knew Eric, as he Was a Gordie HoweTowne Cop, jazz artist and co owner of Bakers. as a result, he was able to get me a BC made of ebonite also a Selmer. He wa also tight with The Motown Scene and Dr Yusef Lateef, who i had the opportunity to study with. Cheers From SpoCanada
A couple of quick quesitons: Was Dolphy playing a low Eb Bass Clarinet? Do you think that matters in playing like Dolphy? you have two different bass clarinets in your arsenal. Does one give you more control when playing music like this? If not, why the two bass clarinets? Are you using different mouthpiece and reeds? Did one clarinet give you the flexibility that Dolphy exhibits here? I am curious in your bass clarinet choices and use of those choices. This is not an easy transcritpion. You did a great job on it. I imagine you are a huge fan of Dolphy, but has your appreciation deepened? What was the most surprising thing you learned about Dolphy during this time? I figured he was not a "true" bass clarinetist, but showed sax tendencies on the instrument. Great job on this. It is impressive work.
Lots of good questions here, probably too much for me to share on RU-vid, but I’ll try to write a blog post about it. Keep me honest, and if you don’t see it in a few weeks please contact me through the Earspasm site.
I am disappointed that you didn't just stop the video at 2:31. That would have been so boss. Like, "here's how you play the solo like Eric Dolphy." Get a Bass Clarinet and start transcribing. 😃
Actually, I donate all of the proceeds of that particular shirt to a local Jazz program in the inner city. It’s not much, to be honest, but since you mention it…
before i lost my dentition to Stix 'n' Pux, i composed an original song as a trib to Eric, entitled "On E Dolphy Street". now i'm trying to re establish my ombouchre, with dentures. (Which i remove on ice). if anyone out there, has had to deal with dentures, as well as how the reestablished ther ombouchre, i wouldbe greatly appreciative. it definitely affects my intonation, between registers. Cheers (a year later).
