Another Panama gift to Jazz history

The Jazz Scene with KEN GRADY

IN THIS MODERN era of Jazz Carlos Garnett and Danilo Perez are the most popular names among Jazz aficionados in Panama. But,  Panama’s past boasted a rich Jazz history as well. Sadly, local Jazz heads have said that many of their countrymen arenot familiar with that history. Further, while some Panamanians have heard of some great Jazz artists, they don’t know that many are actually from Panama.

One such example is the great, multi-talented reed player, Eric Dolphy. Dolphy’s parents migrated from Panama to the US in the late 1920’s, as did many Panamanians. Their move was just before Eric was born. His musical career began at the age of 6.

I’ve never seen him perform live. But, I’ve found Dolphy’s sound to be provocative and sophisticated. I was introduced to cats like Eric Dolphy by John Coltrane’s’ music. Releases like Ole, and Spirtual, captured me withDolphy’s stellar work flute, alto sax and bass clarinet.

By the time I entered the world of Jazz radio I was fully aware of who Dolphy was. He was a regular on my playlist. My love of his work led me to others like, Archie Shepp, and Anthony Braxton. Both of  whom I have seen in live performance. With that in mind , the details of Dolphy’s sudden death in 1964 intrigued me.

Here is my summary of how his time was spent just days before his death. My comments are based on an account from Dutch Jazz Club Radio producer, and co-producer of Jazz Magazine, Michiel de Ruyter:
Eric Dolphy had a tight schedule in the spring of 1964, arriving in Amsterdam in late May. This was his third trip to Holland, having played there while touring with Charles Mingus a month earlier. 

His fiancé was in Paris, studying ballet. Eric briefly left Amsterdam to be with her. He planned to marry, and settle down in Europe after the tour.

When he returned to Holland at the end of May, his schedule included four club dates, in four different towns. A midnight gig at the famous Amsterdam Concertgebouw. And, a studio session to be taped for radio with Michiel de Ruyter.

Rehearsal with the band for the evening concert began promptly that last Friday morning in May. Michiel de Ruyter recounts how, in rehearsal, Dolphy was fully engaged. Even correcting musicians’ missteps, while writing a new music score for G.W.  

On June 2, 1964 Dolphy arrived from Rotterdam at the Radio Jazz Club studio in Amsterdam for the taping of a 45 min interview and session with de Ruyter. He was to return to Paris early the next morning. Remembering  that Dolphy would be back in September,  de Ruyter said, “…see you later” as they parted company, and Eric flew on to Paris.

On June 27, Eric flew from Paris to Berlin for a gig. He was four days behind schedule, and Leo Wright was subbing for him. It was apparent that his health was failing. Two days later, Eric Dolphy was dead from a diabetes induced stroke. His doctors said he, like many diabetics, most likely, never knew of his condition.

In July 01, 1964, de Ruyter did a progam on the artist’s life and legacy. He closed with an Eric Dolphy quote, “When you hear music…, after it’s over, it’s gone in the air. You can never capture it again.”

For more details on the life of Eric Dolphy go to: www.http://adale.org/EDIntro.html

 Another Panama gift to Jazz history

By Ken Grady

IN THIS MODERN era of Jazz Carlos Garnett and Danilo Perez are the most popular names among Jazz aficionados in Panama. But,  Panama’s past boasted a rich Jazz history as well. Sadly, local Jazz heads have said that many of their countrymen arenot familiar with that history. Further, while some Panamanians have heard of some great Jazz artists, they don’t know that many are actually from Panama.

One such example is the great, multi-talented reed player, Eric Dolphy. Dolphy’s parents migrated from Panama to the US in the late 1920’s, as did many Panamanians. Their move was just before Eric was born. His musical career began at the age of 6.

I’ve never seen him perform live. But, I’ve found Dolphy’s sound to be provocative and sophisticated. I was introduced to cats like Eric Dolphy by John Coltrane’s’ music. Releases like Ole, and Spirtual, captured me withDolphy’s stellar work flute, alto sax and bass clarinet.

By the time I entered the world of Jazz radio I was fully aware of who Dolphy was. He was a regular on my playlist. My love of his work led me to others like, Archie Shepp, and Anthony Braxton. Both of  whom I have seen in live performance. With that in mind , the details of Dolphy’s sudden death in 1964 intrigued me.

Here is my summary of how his time was spent just days before his death. My comments are based on an account from Dutch Jazz Club Radio producer, and co-producer of Jazz Magazine, Michiel de Ruyter:
Eric Dolphy had a tight schedule in the spring of 1964, arriving in Amsterdam in late May. This was his third trip to Holland, having played there while touring with Charles Mingus a month earlier. 

His fiancé was in Paris, studying ballet. Eric briefly left Amsterdam to be with her. He planned to marry, and settle down in Europe after the tour.

When he returned to Holland at the end of May, his schedule included four club dates, in four different towns. A midnight gig at the famous Amsterdam Concertgebouw. And, a studio session to be taped for radio with Michiel de Ruyter.

Rehearsal with the band for the evening concert began promptly that last Friday morning in May. Michiel de Ruyter recounts how, in rehearsal, Dolphy was fully engaged. Even correcting musicians’ missteps, while writing a new music score for G.W.  

On June 2, 1964 Dolphy arrived from Rotterdam at the Radio Jazz Club studio in Amsterdam for the taping of a 45 min interview and session with de Ruyter. He was to return to Paris early the next morning. Remembering  that Dolphy would be back in September,  de Ruyter said, “…see you later” as they parted company, and Eric flew on to Paris.

On June 27, Eric flew from Paris to Berlin for a gig. He was four days behind schedule, and Leo Wright was subbing for him. It was apparent that his health was failing. Two days later, Eric Dolphy was dead from a diabetes induced stroke. His doctors said he, like many diabetics, most likely, never knew of his condition.

In July 01, 1964, de Ruyter did a progam on the artist’s life and legacy. He closed with an Eric Dolphy quote, “When you hear music…, after it’s over, it’s gone in the air. You can never capture it again.”

For more details on the life of Eric Dolphy go to: www.http://adale.org/EDIntro.html