In this 1960's performance filmed in Europe underrated tenor saxophonist Booker Ervin jams with, Ted Curson, trumpet; Nathan Davis, flute; Pony Poindexter, alto saxophone; Kenny Drew, piano; Jimmy Wood, string bass; and Edgar Bateman, drums.
Tenor saxophone Booker Telleferro Ervin II (October 31, 1930 – July 31, 1970) was born in Denison, Texas but after teaching himself tenor saxophone during a stint in the United States Air Force, moved to the Boston area where he studied at Berkeley College of Music.
Ervin was best known for his association with string bass legend Charles Mingus, and his tenor playing characterised by a strong, tough sound and blues/gospel phrasing, perhaps the result of John Coltrane's influence.
He moved to New York to join Horace Parlan's quartet, with whom he recorded "Up and Down" and "Happy Frame of Mind" (both for Blue Note Records). Ervin worked with Charles Mingus from 1956 to 1963, appearing on "Goodbye Pork Pie Hat" on the album "Mingus Ah Um," "Wednesday Night Prayer Meeting," "Blues and Roots," and "Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus Mingus."
During the 1960's Ervin also led his own quartet, recording for Prestige Records with ex-Mingus associate pianist Jaki Byard along with bassist Richard Davis and Alan Dawson on drums. Ervin later recorded for Blue Note Records and played with pianist Randy Weston, with whom he recorded between 1963 and 1966.
He died of kidney disease in New York City in 1970.
