Booker Ervin’s Tex Book Tenor finds the tenor saxophonist surrounded by a talented cast consisting of Woody Shaw (trumpet), Kenny Barron (piano), Jan Arnet (piano), and Billy Higgins (drums). Tex Book Tenor is indeed a “textbook” of harmony, rhythm and cohesion. Of course, Ervin shines, but his partners are equally astounding, particularly the delicate notes of Barron on Gichi. Gichi is a swaying, bluesy track that has Ervin and Shaw working congruently while Barron and Arnet lay down the melody. Higgins, the master technician, provides fresh, timely accoutrements while Arnet’s steady bass line maintains a flowing tempo. This track is just over seven minutes, but seems to fly by much too soon thanks to delicious solos by Shaw and Barron.
--Reviewed by Eddie Becton
Personnel:
Booker Ervin – tenor saxophone
Woody Shaw – trumpet
Kenny Barron – piano
Jan Arnet – bass
Billy Higgins – drums
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