The Latin Jazz Quintet & Eric Dolphy - Caribé 1960 - 320Kbps - Jazz # DrBn

The Latin Jazz Quintet had an odd history. The short-lived group, which had quite a bit of turnover during its life, is today best-known for two sessions (one for New Jazz and a more obscure set for United Artists) in which it was joined by Eric Dolphy.

Caribé by the Latin Jazz Quintet + Eric Dolphy was recorded by Rudy Van Gelder in 1960 for Prestige under their New Jazz imprint (catalog number 8251).

The lineup consisted of Juan Amalbert on congas; Gene Casey on piano; bassist Bill Ellington; vibraphonist Charlie Simons; and Manny Ramos on drums and timbales. The entire set has a laid-back feel, more Afro-Cuban than anything else, and its high point is certainly the title track, written by Casey. The band does not drive Dolphy into using his considerable abilities, but it’s hardly lazy. Instead, this is the lyrical side of the great musician, who is interested in wooing listeners rather than blowing them away. Simons' vibes work is a beautiful counterpart to Dolphy’s on all three instruments, but particularly on the flute.