"Oleo"1961 
Eric Dolphy

Bass clarinetEric Dolphy
PianoBent Axen
BassEric Moseholm
DrumsJorn Elniff

The form is typically bebop, AABA. The (B) section has no written melody, only chords for improvisation. The melody, written by Sonny Rollins, is a standard in the bebop repertoire. This work is memorable for Dolphy's brilliant bass clarinet technique. Not only does Dolphy's tone command authority, it also projects a powerfully expressive quality, even in the extreme top range. Notice the large intervallic skips and the extended phrasing. Both are typical of avant-garde classical and jazz melodies; however, few performers can match Dolphy's control and logic in blending these techniques.