Ignored             Obscured              Restored

In 1964, Eric Dolphy released Out to Lunch!, an avant-garde masterpiece that stands as one of the most daring and influential works in the history of jazz. As a multi-instrumentalist, Dolphy assembled a stellar ensemble of jazz virtuosos, including Freddie Hubbard on trumpet, Bobby Hutcherson on vibraphone, Richard Davis on bass, and the prodigious 18-year-old drummer Tony Williams.

The album opens with the now-iconic “Hat and Beard,” a composition that pays homage to Thelonious Monk, celebrated not only for his unique musical style but also for his distinct sartorial choices.

On “Hat and Beard”, Dolphy plays the bass clarinet, and the music pulses with dissonance, chordal improvisation, and thrilling rhythms, cementing its place as a timeless classic.

The song’s introduction evokes the eerie atmosphere of a crime fiction soundtrack, perhaps one inspired by the hardboiled novels of James M. Cain or Raymond Chandler. Throughout the piece, Dolphy and Hubbard deliver bold, adventurous solos that captivate the listener. Meanwhile, Davis adapts his basslines to complement the soloists, even using his bow during Hutcherson’s vibraphone solo, adding a layer of depth to the performance. The drumming, too, is exceptional, with Williams demonstrating remarkable dexterity and creativity that enhances the intensity of the track.

Out to Lunch! was Dolphy’s final album as a bandleader. Tragically, he passed away just a few months after its release, at the age of 36, while in Germany. Although the exact cause of his death has been the subject of some debate, it is most commonly attributed to undiagnosed diabetes.

Enjoy… until next week.