Far Cry
Eric Dolphy · 1962
41 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A vibrant exploration of avant-garde jazz blending intricate melodies with spirited improvisation and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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Ode to Charlie Parker — This track serves as a heartfelt tribute to Dolphy's idol, showcasing his intricate flute work and deep emotional resonance while navigating complex harmonic structures.
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Left Alone — A poignant interpretation of a classic ballad that highlights Dolphy's unique approach to melody and harmony through expressive clarinet phrasing.
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Far Cry — The album's title track exemplifies Dolphy's bold improvisational style, blending dissonance with lyrical beauty in a concise yet impactful composition.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalFar Cry showcases intricate compositions and distinctive improvisation, marking a significant moment in avant-garde jazz.
What we noticed
- The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track often exceeding five minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- Dolphy frequently switches between instruments, notably bass clarinet and alto saxophone, creating a varied sonic palette throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- spirited improvisation with emotional depth
- vibrant energy for focused listening
- cathartic moments of musical exploration
- thoughtful engagement with intricate melodies
Maybe skip if you
- seekers of instant gratification
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1962, Far Cry was Eric Dolphy's first album for the prestigious Blue Note label, marking a significant step in his career. At this point, Dolphy had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz, building on his contributions to Charles Mingus' ensemble and his work on albums like Out There. This album showcased his innovative approach to jazz composition and improvisation, solidifying his reputation as a leading voice in the avant-garde movement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Ornette Coleman· Albert Ayler· John Coltrane
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Mrs. Parker of K.C. (Bird’s Mother) 8:00
- 2 Ode to Charlie Parker 8:44
- 3 Far Cry 3:50
- 4 Miss Ann 4:15
- 5 Left Alone 6:40
- 6 Tenderly 4:15
- 7 It’s Magic 5:35
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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