Brilliant album by Booker Ervin, who has grown on me tremendously during the last few years. For me, him and Joe Henderson has really cemented their place high up on my list of favourite tenor players. “The Freedom Book” has to be one of my absolute favourite jazz albums at the moment. It will probably stay that way forever. What a lovely group that flanks Ervin on this session as well, with Jaki Byard on piano, Richard Davis on double bass and Alan Dawson on drums. Has to be one of my favourite groups actually. Byard is a clear favourite since a good while back. Beautiful player, full of surprises. Davis was an amazing double bassist (his solos are very special) and was part of another favourite ensemble of mine, the one with Dolphy at the Five Spot. Dawson on drums reminds me a bit of Ed Blackwell in his playing from time to time, which is a very, very good thing. He is is own man though and adds great energy and tasteful details with his inspiring playing.
The whole album is pure bliss, but if I had to pick a favourite tune is has to be the beautiful Ervin-penned (what a composer he was) “A Day to Mourn”, where I can’t help but draw some comparisons with Coltrane. A slice of Byard’s playing located deep into the tune is like a dream. Absolute beauty. Overall a very diverse tune with plenty of different passages.
I’ve managed to acquire three fresh Ervin titles on Prestige to accompany my previous sole Ervin title as a leader, “The Blues Book”. Very happy about that. Looking for some other ones still though.
Do you have a favourite Booker Ervin title? So far, The Freedom Book is my favourite.
Have a great weekend and enjoy some jazz on vinyl. Cheers!