Booker Ervin - The Classic Albums 1960-1964 (2020)

A most distinctive tenor saxophonist with a hard, passionate tone and an emotional style that was still tied to chordal improvisation, Booker Ervin was a true original. Initially a trombonist, Ervin taught himself tenor while in the Air Force, and remains best known as a member of Charles Mingus' band, with whom he played sporadically between 1956 and 1962. This 4CD set brings together the finest recordings Booker Ervin made as bandleader between 1960 and 1964, the era generally considered to be the musician's glory years. With the sax maestro's unique style, vision and compositional excellence amply displayed on the eight albums featured, this collection works as both a valuable introduction to the great man's music and a welcome reminder for the ready versed.