What makes Booker 'n' Brass by Booker Ervin notable?

The album is notable for its innovative blend of traditional jazz elements with brass-focused arrangements, which influenced subsequent jazz ensembles. It received critical praise upon release, solidifying Ervin's reputation and contributing to the evolution of the jazz genre during the late 1960s. Releasing 'Booker 'n' Brass' in 1967 marked a significant moment for Booker Ervin, who was already recognized as a prominent voice in jazz. This album came shortly after his collaboration with Charles Mingus, positioning him firmly within the hard bop scene while also pushing into new stylistic territories with rich brass instrumentation.

How many songs are on Booker 'n' Brass?

Booker 'n' Brass has 11 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Booker 'n' Brass

Booker Ervin · 1967

49 min · 11 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of hard bop and soulful brass arrangements that showcases Ervin's dynamic saxophone prowess.

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Top tracks — play these first

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East Dallas Special — This opening track sets the tone with an infectious groove and showcases Ervin's expressive saxophone technique against a backdrop of lively brass harmonies.
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Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans — Ervin's interpretation breathes new life into this classic, blending heartfelt melodies with intricate brass arrangements that evoke a deep sense of nostalgia.
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L.A. After Dark (take 6) — This track exemplifies the album's exploration of mood and atmosphere, featuring a sultry vibe that highlights both Ervin’s improvisational skills and the ensemble's tight interplay.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends hard bop and brass arrangements effectively, showcasing Ervin's saxophone while maintaining varied tempos.

What we noticed

The album features a prominent brass section that interacts dynamically with Ervin's saxophone, creating a rich texture throughout.
Each track showcases distinct arrangements, with several pieces incorporating variations on traditional jazz standards.
The first half of the album maintains a lively tempo, while the latter tracks introduce slower, more contemplative pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 East Dallas Special 4:37
2 Salt Lake City 4:22
3 Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans 4:28
4 L.A. After Dark (take 6) 5:03
5 Kansas City 3:00
6 Baltimore Oriole 4:42
7 Harlem Nocturne 4:18
8 I Left My Heart in San Francisco 4:13
9 St. Louis Blues 4:11
10 L.A. After Dark Alternative (take 3) 5:08
11 L.A. After Dark Alternative (take 7) 5:05

What to play next

Listen next

Structurally Sound

1967

Go back to

The Trance

1966

Full Booker Ervin discography Artists like Booker Ervin

jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata