Booker's Waltz – Booker Little
One of Booker Little's three adaptations on his classic waltz. This was his fastest version of the composition.
- Recording: Eric Dolphy & Booker Little - Memorial Album
- Recorded on: July 16, 1961
- Label: Prestige (PR 7334)
- Concert Key: A-flat
- Style: 3/4 swing (medium up)
- Trumpet - Booker Little
- Bass Clarinet - Eric Dolphy
- Piano - Mal Waldron
- Bass - Richard Davis
- Drums - Ed Blackwell
The sample audio clip starts right on the melody, but Booker's actual recording starts with eight measures of drums.
Waltz Of The Demons February 2, 1960
The Grand Valse April 13, 1960
Booker's Waltz July 16, 1961
Booker Little
April 2, 1938 – October 5, 1961
A tragic loss to the world of jazz at age 23! Hearing is certainly believing: in Booker's short life, he still was able to leave us with recordings and compositions that are guaranteed to astonish and captivate. His effortless-sounding virtuosity ranks him as one of the greatest trumpet players. He was also a gifted composer, who obviously took composing very seriously, as his recording output shows. Booker began on trumpet when he was 12 and played with Johnny Griffin and the MJT + 3 while attending the Chicago Conservatory. He worked with Max Roach (1958-1959) and then freelanced in New York. He recorded with Roach and Abbey Lincoln, was on John Coltrane's Africa/Brass album, and was well-documented during a July 1961 gig at the Five Spot with Eric Dolphy. Booker Little led four sessions before his tragic early death. Read more...