Where?/Quest

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Two great albums featuring Eric Dolphy! Where is a haunting and unusual session lef by bassist Ron Carter – working here with a group that includes spiritual modernists Eric Dolphy on reeds and Mal Waldron on piano – both players who really add a lot to the set! In a way, the album's more like Dolphy's own work as a leader from the time than the sort of music usually associated with Carter – and Ron really seems to let the reedman shape the overall sound of the set with his tremendous work on alto, flute, and bass clarinet. Carter plays a bit of cello in addition to his bass – giving the record a nicely eerie sound at points – and Waldron's piano, as always, is excellent during this point in his career. Titles include Randy Weston's "Where" and "Saucer Eyes", plus "Bass Duet", which features Carter dueting with George Duvivier, and a very nice version of "Softly As In A Morning Sunrise". Quest is a pivotal album from pianist Mal Waldron – stepping out of the blowing session mode, and emerging as one of the 60s most striking modernists! The set shows an amazing desire for new forms and ideas – and features a stunning lineup that's overflowing with creative talent – Eric Dolphy on alto and bass clarinet, Booker Ervin on tenor, Ron Carter on cello, Joe Benjamin on bass, and Charlie Persip on drums! Carter plays bowed cello, as he did on Dolphy's Out There session, and he gives the set a dark moody feel. Ervin's in his best modernist mode, and he ably trades lines with Dolphy and keeps the whole thing moving nicely. Waldron's writing and arranging is superb, and the tracks feature a lot of weird time structures and unusual modal patterns. Includes the tracks "Status Seeking", "Warm Canto", "Warp and Woof", and "Fire Waltz".  © 1996-2025, Dusty Groove, Inc.