The Quest in Bloomington, MN

Although often reissued under
Eric Dolphy's
name, this CD reissue gives the leadership back to pianist
Mal Waldron
. The seven originals not only feature altoist
Dolphy
(who makes a rare appearance on clarinet during
"Warm Canto"
) but tenor-saxophonist
Booker Ervin
,
Ron Carter
(on cello) and
Waldron
. With bassist
Joe Benjamin
and drummer
Charlie Persip
giving alert support, the complex music (which falls between hard bop and the avant-garde) is successfully interpreted. Worth checking out. ~ Scott Yanow