Nice and sunny, temperatures in the mid 50's/upper 60's, not a cloud in the sky. It's days like these that an annual tradition is celebrated at a college in Upstate New York called, “Dolphy Day".
“Dolphy Day" is named after the late saxophonist, Eric Dolphy. Legend had it that students cut classes at LeMoyne College, located outside of Syracuse, on the day the legendary musician died suddenly in June, 1964.
They were bummed about his death and spent the whole day listening to his records. Thus, the tradition of cutting classes on the first nice, spring day started. The day is mostly filled with drinking and celebrating a day of cutting class all day.
It's unlikely any of the present generation even heard of Eric Dolphy. But one listen to his music will turn you into a fan instantly. In addition to the saxophone, he also played the clarinet and the flute. Although Dolphy's work can be classified as “free jazz", his compositions and solos could be more considered avant-garde.
I've found a couple of Eric Dolphy's live performances on YouTube. The first two are performances with the Charles Mingus Quartet in Oslo, Norway. The second video is a bass clarinet solo that can be described as “mind-boggling". The third is a rare performance with the John Coltrane Quintet.
If you want to hear more Eric Dolphy, then I suggest listening to his groundbreaking album, Out to Lunch. He's accompanied by trumpeter Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Hutcherson on the vibraphone, drummer Tony Williams and Richard Davis on bass.
Enjoy, and if it's nice where you are, consider taking the day off!
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