Broadcast on 09-May-2011

Booker Ervin was one of the most identifiable voices of the tenor saxophone. He possessed a high, hard, keening sound and a rich blues based concept. He was also Charles Mingus' favourite saxophonist and worked with Mingus and recorded with Mr. Mingus on some of his most important albums such as "Mingus Ah Um", "Blues and Roots", etc. Ervin was born in Denison,Texas on Oct 31,1930 and died of kidney failure at 39 in July of 1970. He recorded a number of fine albums under his own name, especially for Prestige Records. Tonight's Feature was his first done in April of 1960. Booker picked the men and did so wisely. On second tenor saxophone was the great Zoot Sims and Booker and Zoot make an interesting contrast. On trumpet was the older Turrentine brother, Tommy, in fine form. The "poet of the piano" is in fine fettle on this date and will surprise you with his funky, bluesy playing on many of the tunes. George Tucker, a great bassist who studied with Mingus plays exceedingly well with one of Mingus' main men, drummer Dannie Richmond. 5 of the six tunes are by Booker Ervin and they naturally reflect a Mingus attitude. The final tune is a lovely old standard called "Poor Butterfly". This was Booker Ervin's debut recording under his name and it's a good one, worth searching for. However you needn't go too far because you can hear it right here!