Booker Little

Booker Little (scanned from my copy of his album "Out Front")

There are many tragic stories to tell when it comes to jazz, but none are perhaps more tragic than the death of trumpeter Booker Little at the mere age of 23. Booker Little sound was influenced by another trumpeter that also met a tragic death, Clifford Brown. Like Brown, Little's technique was technically exquisite without losing a soulful edge. Booker spent a large percentage of his very short career working with Eric Dolphy. They were able to create a unique musical relationship. Booker was one of the few trumpeters that was capable of keeping up with Dolphy's flurry of ideas. He always accepted Dolphy's challenge, and also contributed several compositions to Dolphy's working bad. The partnership culminated in a live recording at the Five Spot that spawned 3 album releases. One of the most impressive songs played that evening was Booker own superb composition "Aggression". Booker Little even managed to squeeze a few self-lead albums into his all too short career. One of my favourite solo albums of his was his self-titled album on Time records. One of the highlights of the album is to hear Booker working with another great jazz musicians that died tragically early, Bill Evans' bassist Scott LaFaro.


Cover Art for Booker Little's Self-Titled Album

The album has a beautiful timeless quality to it. I consider Booker as one of my favourite jazz trumpeters and even jazz composers. There are some amazing compositions on this album by Booker, and one of my favourites (which coincidently it was also his favourite) is "The Grand Valse". Booker based this tune around Sonny Rollins' Valse Hot. It's a touching jazz waltz. With a marvelous solo by Booker that clearly illustrates his beautiful full tone, and expressive sound.


Sheet music for "The Grand Valse"



Another picture of Booker from the cover of Dolphy's At The Five Spot Vol.1