Representative Albums: "The Blues Book," "Space Book," "Setting the Pace"
Biography
A very distinctive tenor with a hard, passionate tone and an emotional style that was still tied to chordal improvisation, Booker Ervin was a true original. He was originally a trombonist, but taught himself tenor while in the Air Force (1950-1953). After studying music in Boston for two years, he made his recording debut with Ernie Fields' R&B band (1956). Ervin gained fame while playing with Charles Mingus (off and on during 1956-1962), holding his own with the volatile bassist and Eric Dolphy. He also led his own quartet, worked with Randy Weston on a few occasions in the '60s, and spent much of 1964-1966 in Europe before dying much too young from kidney disease. Ervin, who is on several notable Charles Mingus records, made dates of his own for Bethlehem, Savoy, and Candid during 1960-1961, along with later sets for Pacific Jazz and Blue Note. His nine Prestige sessions of 1963-1966 (including The Freedom Book, The Song Book, The Blues Book, and The Space Book) are among the high points of his career. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Booker Telleferro Ervin II (October 31, 1930 – July 31, 1970[1]) was an American hard bop tenor saxophone player. He was perhaps best known for his association with bassist Charles Mingus.
Ervin was born in Denison, Texas and after teaching himself tenor saxophone while in the United States Air Force moved to the Boston area and studied at Berklee College of Music. His tenor playing was characterised by a strong, tough sound and blues/gospel phrasing, perhaps inspired by growing up in the south.
His most highly-regarded records are the nine he made for Prestige Records between 1963 and 1966:
Exultation - (1963) -
The Freedom Book (1963) - with his backing trio of Jaki Byard, Richard Davis and Alan Dawson.
The Song Book,
Booker Ervin and Pony PoindexterGumbo - (1963) - the CD issue has the original Gumbo album with New Orleans saxist Poindexter plus a session made by Ervin and organist Larry Young in the same year. Prestige Records.
The Blues Book (1964) - with Carmell Jones, Gildo Mahones, Davis, and Dawson
The Space Book (1964) - also with Byard, Davis and Dawson.
Setting The Pace (1965) - and more with the classic trio -
