This 1961 set has appeared under
Eric Dolphy's name, but it is, in fact, bassist
Ron Carter's date -- his first as a leader.
Carter and
Dolphy had played together in
Chico Hamilton's group and on
Dolphy's important 1960 date Out There.
Where? has elements in common with both, but is closer to
Hamilton's late-'50s chamber jazz than to the more outward-bound
Dolphy date. As on the
Dolphy session,
Carter is heard on cello for three of the six tracks.
Carter's skill is undeniable, but his playing on
Where? is a bit polite and monochromatic. The easygoing duet with
George Duvivier, for example, is a quiet, back-porch conversation that makes few demands on either of these bass giants.
Dolphy -- playing bass clarinet, alto sax, and flute -- is a far more interesting prospect, even if he doesn't blow his face off to the extent he did in other settings. Pianist
Mal Waldron is characteristically dry, economical, and swinging. Drummer
Charlie Persip quietly impresses with thoughtful, detailed work.
Duvivier is on bass when
Carter plays cello. The tracks comprise two
Carter originals, two standards, and a pair of
Randy Weston numbers.
Weston's "Saucer Eyes," the album's best track, features a strong group performance, a superbly laconic statement from
Waldron,
Dolphy's ebullient flute, and captivating brush work from
Persip.
Carter's "Rally," with
Dolphy's freewheeling bass clarinet and the composer's most adventurous cello work on this set, is closest in spirit to
Dolphy's own dates from this period. ~ Jim Todd