Eric Dolphy only recorded for Prestige for a seventeen month period that covered the years 1960 and 1961, yet he recorded thirteen sessions that resulted in some seventeen Prestige releases. Some were as co-leader or sideman, but most were as leader. That period was a very fertile one in Dolphy’s development, and it was well documented on the Complete Prestige Recordings box set. However, this Prestige Profile entry gives a nice look at some of the high points from Dolphy’s Prestige catalog.

Dolphy was already establishing himself as a master multi-instrumentalist, as on the various tracks included here we hear him on alto sax, bass clarinet, and flute. In addition, he is demonstrating here his unique voice as a composer (“Out There,” “Far Cry,” “Serene,” “Miss Ann,” and “G.W.” ) and as an arranger with interesting ideas (“On Green Dolphin Street”). “G.W.” is named for bandleader/arranger Gerald Wilson, a mentor of Dolphy’s.

Dolphy’s fellow travelers on these sessions are among some of the best jazz musicians of the period. Ron Carter plays cello on the title track from Out There, and Roy Haynes is the drummer. Freddie Hubbard and Jaki Byard play on the superb arrangements of “On Green Dolphi Street.” Booker Little is heard on several tracks, including “Far Cry,” “Miss Ann,” “Fire Waltz,” “Booker’s Waltz” and “Status Seeking.” Richard Davis, a bassist who always allows for a certain elasticity of rhythm and time, plays on many of the tracks. More so than most other Prestige sessions, Dolphy’s work for the label comes off as more arranged and rehearsed, and less in the mold of blowing sessions. But when it’s time for improvising, these musicians are fully ready to meet the challenge. On “Booker’s Waltz” Dolphy is getting bolder on bass clarinet, throwing off some squawks and squeals between runs.

This is a great introduction to Dolphy for those who haven’t heard him much, or who have only experienced him as a Coltrane sideman. There’s so much to this musician who only lived to be 36. There’s a lot here, from the performance side as well as the composition/arrangement side that bears following up on.

Dolphy’s bonus disc features Sonny Rollins, Booker Ervin, John Coltrane, Don Ellis, and some more Dolphy.