by Scott Yanow
This very likable set, Eric Dolphy's first as a leader, has been reissued as a single CD and (along with some alternate takes) on Dolphy's huge The Complete Prestige Recordings box set. Teamed up with the young trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, pianist Jaki Byard, bassist George Tucker, and drummer Roy Haynes, Dolphy introduces his tribute to Gerald Wilson, &G.W.,& and rips into &On Green Dolphin Street,& stretches out on flute on &Glad to Be Unhappy,& and takes a memorable bass clarinet solo on the delightful &Miss Toni.& Hubbard and Byard are also both in good form. A perfect introduction to Eric Dolphy's versatile talents, this boppish set is more accessible than many of Dolphy's more innovative recordings. Recommended.