This is my first title by tenor maestro Booker Ervin as a leader. I love his style. I’m after plenty more albums by him, but this one is a great first title to add to the shelves. The music is passionate, engaging and full of high quality tenor chops delivered by the leader. He’s got a great band backing him as well, with Carmell Jones on trumpet, superb player whose work I need to explore more, pianist Gildo Mahones, who was unknown to me up until hearing him here and on another album I bought at the same time, Richard Davis on double bass and Alan Dawson on drums. Wonderful group. This is a clear favorite of mine, and it’s highly recommended for anyone who enjoys, among other things, some robust and brilliant tenor playing.
I’m hoping to secure some more Booker Ervin stuff before long. He recorded a lot more on Prestige that I’m trying to find. These albums aren’t costing an arm and a leg, which of course is a plus. Overall, I’m leaning towards trying to find more inexpensive titles on various labels to get more stuff on to the shelves, cause there is so much great music out there for more reasonable amounts.
A summer vacation to California is just around the corner now, which I’m looking forward to a lot. Hope you guys are enjoying the summer so far. Cheers!