- Sax Sound - 40 Great Jazz Sax Players · 2014
- Speak Low · 2014
- Speak Low · 2014
- Speak Low · 2014
- Speak Low · 2014
- Speak Low · 2014
- Jazz in the Garden at the Museum of Modern Art · 2008
- The Ultimate Jazz Christmas · 2006
- Tex Book Tenor · 2005
- Tex Book Tenor · 2005
- Tex Book Tenor · 2005
- Tex Book Tenor · 2005
- Tex Book Tenor · 2005
- 2019
- 2014
- 2014
- 2012
- 2005
- 1968
Singles & EPs
- 2014
- 1960
Live Albums
Compilations
Appears On
About Booker Ervin
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
- HOMETOWN
- Denison, TX, United States
- BORN
- 31 October 1930
- GENRE
- Jazz