Holy Nights with Booker Ervin

Album Description

Booker Ervin's 'Holy Nights with Booker Ervin' is a sprawling, four-hour masterpiece that delves deep into the realms of hard bop and bebop, showcasing the saxophonist's unparalleled mastery of jazz. Released on 9 December 2014 via the Holy Nights label, this extensive collection features a staggering array of 31 tracks, each one a testament to Ervin's boundless creativity and technical prowess.

From the opening notes of 'Little Jane' to the closing strains of 'Lonely Blues', Ervin's virtuosity is on full display, as he navigates complex melodies and improvisations with ease. Classics like 'Autumn Leaves' and 'Speak Low' sit alongside original compositions, such as 'Booker's Blues' and 'The Book Cooks', demonstrating Ervin's ability to balance tradition and innovation.

Throughout the album, Ervin's band delivers a series of captivating performances, with each musician bringing their own unique perspective to the music. The result is a rich, dynamic sound that is at once both deeply rooted in the jazz tradition and forward-thinking in its approach.

With its generous running time and diverse range of material, 'Holy Nights with Booker Ervin' is an album that rewards repeated listens, offering something new to discover with each play. For fans of Booker Ervin and jazz enthusiasts alike, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights, showcasing one of the genre's most talented and influential figures at the height of his powers.

December 9, 2014

Holy Nights

About Booker Ervin

Booker Ervin was a powerhouse tenor saxophonist whose distinctive, hard-edged tone and emotionally charged playing left an indelible mark on the jazz world. Born in Denison, Texas, Ervin initially played trombone before teaching himself the saxophone while serving in the Air Force. His unique style, characterized by a bold, passionate sound and a deep-rooted connection to the blues and gospel, set him apart in the jazz landscape. Ervin is perhaps best known for his collaborations with bassist Charles Mingus, but his own albums, such as "The Freedom Book" and "The Book Cooks," showcase his innovative approach to hard bop and avant-garde jazz. Despite his career being cut short by his untimely death at the age of 39, Ervin's contributions to jazz continue to inspire and influence musicians and fans alike. His music is a testament to the power of emotional depth and the enduring legacy of the blues in jazz.