Composer

:

Eric Dolphy

Genre

:

Miscellaneous

Style

:

Miscellaneous

Average_duration

:

5:58

"God Bless the Child" is a jazz standard composed by Billie Holiday and Arthur Herzog Jr. in 1939. However, Eric Dolphy, a renowned jazz multi-instrumentalist, recorded his own version of the song in 1961. The song was included in his album "Eric Dolphy at the Five Spot, Vol. 1," which was recorded live at the Five Spot Café in New York City. The album was released in 1961, and it features Dolphy on alto saxophone, bass clarinet, and flute, alongside a quintet that includes trumpeter Booker Little, pianist Mal Waldron, bassist Richard Davis, and drummer Ed Blackwell. The album is considered one of Dolphy's most significant works, and it showcases his unique approach to jazz improvisation. The album features five movements, including "Fire Waltz," "Bee Vamp," "The Prophet," "Bee Vamp (Alternate Take)," and "Mandrake." "God Bless the Child" is the final track on the album, and it features Dolphy on bass clarinet. The song is a slow ballad that showcases Dolphy's ability to convey emotion through his playing. Dolphy's version of "God Bless the Child" is characterized by his use of extended techniques on the bass clarinet, such as multiphonics and overblowing. These techniques create a unique sound that is both haunting and beautiful. Dolphy's improvisation on the song is also notable for its use of chromaticism and dissonance, which add tension and complexity to the melody. Overall, "God Bless the Child" is a beautiful and moving rendition of a classic jazz standard. Dolphy's unique approach to the song showcases his mastery of the bass clarinet and his ability to convey emotion through his playing. The song is a testament to Dolphy's legacy as one of the most innovative and influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.

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