Roy Eldridge Albums (23)
'King David in Paris...and Stockholm Too'
Release Date 1/1/2004
Tracks 25
Label Proper
See Album Tracklist and Review
'Little Jazz & The Jimmy Ryan All-Stars'
Release Date 5/15/2001
Tracks 13
Label Original Jazz Classics
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What The Critics Say
During the 1970s, Roy Eldridge had a regular gig at Jimmy Ryan's in New York playing music that fell between swing and Dixieland. For this Pablo LP, he sought to play a program with his regular group (Joe Muranyi on clarinet and soprano, trombonist Bobby Pratt, pianist Dick Katz, bassist Major Holley and drummer Eddie Locke) that, although recorded in the studio, would sound like one of the Jimmy Ryan sets. So, in addition to such standards as "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea" and "All of Me," Eldridge also performs (and takes occasional vocals on) some older tunes like "St. James Infirmary," "Beale Street Blues" and "Bourbon Street Parade." The music is quite joyful and spirited, with Eldridge in exuberant form. This LP is recommended and well-deserving of being reissued on CD. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Swingin' on the Town'
Release Date 7/27/1999
Tracks 12
Label Polygram
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What The Critics Say
Recorded in June 1960, Swingin' on the Town was a bit of a retro affair at the time, since swing was no longer popular dance music, nor the cutting edge of jazz. Still, Eldridge was one of the best swing trumpeters of any era, and his music continued to deepen over the years; there was no reason for him not to play swing standards if he could still make them sound fresh. Throughout Swingin' on the Town, he does make it sound fresh. It helps that he's supported by bassist Benny Moten, pianist Ronnie Ball and drummer Eddie Locke, who keep things lively, but Eldridge is the focus here, and his performances are supple, swinging and charming. He doesn't do anything out of the ordinary, but he delivers the expected with grace. Not a major album in his catalog, but certainly an enjoyable one. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
'What It's All About'
Release Date 6/30/1995
Tracks 5
Label Original Jazz Classics
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What The Critics Say
What It's All About is swinging, building up solos to potentially ferocious levels and going for broke. That was always the philosophy that Roy Eldridge followed and, even though it was rather late in his career by the time he recorded this Pablo CD resissue, he was still pushing himself. His septet on the album is full of talented veterans including altoist Norris Turney, Budd Johnson on tenor, pianist Norman Simmons and (on half of the set) vibraphonist Milt Jackson. The music (three Eldridge originals and two obscurities) features plenty of lengthy and spirited soloing. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'With Eddie Locke & His Friends'
Release Date 6/20/1995
Tracks 9
Label Storyville
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What The Critics Say
Roy Eldridge and Vic Dickenson get top billing on this Storyville CD, though this concert at St. Peter's Church was actually led by drummer Eddie Locke, with tenor saxophonist Budd Johnson, pianist Tommy Flanagan, and bassist Major Holley rounding out the sextet. This evidently was Eldridge's final recording on trumpet before heart problems caused him to give it up, though he still sang and occasionally played piano when he had the opportunity during his remaining years. Aside from an extended opening blues, most of the set is devoted to familiar standards, with a convivial atmosphere among the veteran musicians. It's a joy to hear the three horn players engaging in a raucous workout of "Oh, Lady Be Good," while Johnson's big-toned heartfelt introduction to "Yesterdays" is a reminder of his greatness. The loping rendition of Manhattan" featuring Dickenson and Flanagan is a highlight, then Eldridge's sassy muted solo of "There Is No Greater Love" simmers with passion. The evening finishes with several tunes from Duke Ellington's vast repertoire, starting with the obligatory "Satin Doll," though the long rousing jams of "Caravan" and "Take the 'A' Train" are far more satisfying. Although initially recorded for private distribution by the American Field Service, the tapes were purchased and duly issued by Storyville in 1995. Unfortunately, this was one of many titles deleted from the catalog in 2007, and it is already turning into a pricey collector's item. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
In 1950, trumpeter Roy Eldridge was having a bit of an identity crisis. Once considered one of the pacesetters, the emergence of Dizzy Gillespie and the bop stylists left Eldridge unsure what to do. But that year, when he travelled to France with Benny Goodman, the future seemed clearer. The Parisian audiences demanded that Eldridge play himself rather than try to copy the modernists, and he took their advice. This CD reissue features the complete output (including seven alternate takes) from two exciting recording sessions. Eldridge heads a quintet with tenor saxophonist Zoot Sims; two songs have vocals from Anita Love, and Roy does a good job of singing on the good-humored "Ain't No Flies on Me." While "Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams" (heard in two versions) is the classic of that session, the later date features Roy with a quartet, and he is top form on "If I Had You" and "Someone to Watch Over Me." ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
One of only two Eldridge-led studio sessions from the 1961-74 period, this CD reissue of a set originally recorded for Master Jazz matches the great swing trumpeter with Budd Johnson (who doubles on tenor and soprano), trombonist Benny Morton, pianist Nat Pierce, bassist Tommy Bryant and drummer Oliver Jackson. All six of the jump tunes are by Eldridge with "5400 North" and "Ball of Fire" being best-known. For this album the veteran trumpeter had a very rare opportunity to call his own shots on a recording date and the generally inspired playing makes this CD a fine example of small-group swing from the early '70s. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
