Eric Dolphy- Out to Lunch! (1964)

Eric Dolphy - Out To Lunch!

(Blue Note)

Released August 1964

Recorded on February 25, 1964

Out To Lunch! by Eric Dolphy is a seminal jazz album that showcases Dolphy's originality on bass clarinet, alto saxophone, and flute. The ensemble, featuring Freddie Hubbard (trumpet), Bobby Hutcherson (vibes), Richard Davis (bass), and Tony Williams (drums), delivers a groundbreaking mix of free jazz, bebop, and classical influences. The album's five tracks blend written structures with open, conversational improvisation. The compositions explore varied themes, from the Monk-inspired "Hat and Beard" to the flute-centric "Gazzelloni." Tragically, Dolphy died at 36, the year of the album's release, due to misdiagnosed diabetes. The album's intricate exploration, highlighted in tracks like "Out To Lunch," solidifies its place as a jazz masterpiece, capturing Dolphy's innovative spirit and musical genius.