ROY ELDRIDGE 4
Montreux '77 (Pablo/OJC)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Roy Eldridge was considered one of the most exciting performers in jazz history. A swing-style trumpet player, he was the first after Louis Armstrong to add to the instrument's vocabulary, and in turn, his combative, risk-taking approach to playing trumpet influenced the next generation of players, especially one Dizzy Gillespie.

Nicknamed "Little Jazz" because of his diminutive physical stature, Eldridge began his career in circus and carnival bands, playing trumpet and drums before moving up to play in many great big bands during the swing era. When his career ended in 1980 due to a severe stroke, his fellow musicians praised Eldridge for pushing himself to explore the limits of his musical ability and many felt he had never played or recorded a solo that was blase or uninteresting.

At the time of this session, recorded at the 1977 Montruex Jazz Festival, Eldridge was 66 years old and, though short of breath at times, still getting the most out of his innate ability. With a solid backup band of Oscar Peterson on piano, Niels Pedersen on bass, and Bobby Durham on drums, Eldridge played an exciting, electrifying set. He repeatedly and effectively played his horn in its upper register, sending shivers down my spine as I listen now. Pushing himself to express his inner muse, Eldridge was on fire that day and results are stunning.

Roy Eldridge was truly one of the giants of Jazz trumpet. Towards the end of his illustrous career, he reached deep inside himself for one last, great live performance. Do yourself a favor and purchase this extraordinary music. Give a close listen to the final two songs, "Perdido" and "Bye Bye Blackbird" as they are basically Eldridge's swan song. May we only be so lucky as to end our own careers in such a brilliant fashion!

© 2001 - Ron Saranich