1961 was also the year that Dolphy began his relationship with John Coltrane. Dolphy’s playing on the Coltrane albums Africa/Brass and Ole Coltrane, both recorded in May, cemented the reputations of both players. Joined by pianist McCoy Tyner, trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, and bassist Reggie Workman, the pair can be heard on Aisha and Ole. Dolphy performed with Coltrane’s group throughout the year, including at the tenor saxophonist’s four-night engagement at New York’s Village Vanguard in November, which became the album Live at the Village Vanguard. Among the recordings from these sessions are India, Spiritual and Chasin Another Trane.
While playing with Coltrane, Dolphy also performed in July of 1961 with trumpeter Booker Little at New York’s Five Spot and can be heard on the song Fire Waltz from the album Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot. Dolphy’s November, 22nd concert with Coltrane in Helsinki can be heard on the track Impressions.
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1961 30 August: Dolphy Quintet
Berlin broadcast.
