Jay Hoggard - In the Spirit (Muse, 1992)

Jay Hoggard, vibes
Dwight Andrews, bass clarinet, alto flute & soprano sax
James Newton, flute
Mark Helias, bass
Ed Blackwell, drums

Recorded May 4, 1992

Van Gelder Studio

Engineer: Rudy Van Gelder

In the Spirit is Jay Hoggard's tribute to Eric Dolphy. Rather than covering multiple Dolphy compositions, Hoggard chooses only one, "Gazzeloni," which appears on Dolphy's classic Out to Lunch (Blue Note, 1964). However, the spirit of Dolphy is present in every note played on In the Spirit. 

Even the jazz classics ("Stolen Moments" and "Bye Ya") and the sole standard ("Without a Song") are approached in a manner that Dolphy would have admired. James Newton's flute solo on "Stolen Moments" also reminds us of Dolphy's solo on Oliver Nelson's The Blues and the Abstract Truth (Impulse, 1961).

Between Newton's flute and Dwight Andrews' reeds, all of Dolphy's instruments are represented on In the Spirit. Andrews' alto sax solo on "Stolen Moments," written by Nelson, is closer to the composer's saxophone style than to Dolphy's (not many could replicate Dolphy's alto style). Andrews returns on bass clarinet for the closing theme of "Stolen Moments." 

Anthony Davis's "Andrew," honors pianist Andrew Hill, whose Point of Departure (Blue Note, 1965) features Dolphy. While it's odd to hear Hill's music played without a piano, the tune's angular structure mimics Hill's style. Andrews plays a Dolphy-inspired solo on bass clarinet, followed by solos from Newton, Hoggard, and bassist Mark Helias. Hoggard channels Bobby Hutcherson on vibes to complete the 1960s associations.

Hoggard's composition "In the Spirit of Eric Dolphy, Peaceful Messenger of God's Music" begins with two flutes conversing freely over Hoggard's shimmering vibes. After about 3 minutes, we hear loose interplay over blues changes and a strutting tempo created by Mark Helias and Ed Blackwell. The tempo slows after about 2 minutes to revisit the introduction with arco bass and cymbals added.

"De Pois Do Amor O Vazio (After Love)," is a poignant Brazilian tune that Hoggard and his mates caress gently. The song also appears on Wayne Shorter's Odyssey of Iska (Blue Note, 1971). Shorter's version is taken on soprano sax with vibist Dave Friedman and guitarist Gen Bertoncini joining the Latin percussion. I know of no other recorded version of this wonderful tune, penned by drummer Bobby Thomas who apparently never recorded it himself.

In the Spirit is the type of tribute album I like the most. It celebrates the honoree and is fully conversant with his methods and voicings. Such tributes allow Dolphy's five years of recording to live on as an enduring legacy.

For my review of Hoggard's Overview album, go to:

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