ROY ELDRIDGE - ROCKIN' CHAIR (180g IMPORT LP)

Towards the end of 1951, Roy Eldridge moved from Europe, where he had made numerous recordings with top jazz musicians, back to New York. This move coincided with the founding of Norman Granz's new label, Norgran. It goes without saying that Roy's name (nicknamed 'Little Jazz') came up whenever a trumpeter was required for a studio session.

Like no other, Eldridge was able to switch without a hitch between swing and bebop and, like Dizzy Gillespie, was a showman par excellence. "Rockin' Chair" is his most famous number, and is the best tune on a record that contains a selection of songs from three very different sessions. There are four numbers with strings and arrangements by George Williams; in addition, four rhythm 'n' blues numbers are set alight by the scorching tones of tenor sax player Buddy Tate. That Eldridge is a highly original singer was known ever since he worked with Gene Krupa. "Jumbo The Elephant," a typical jump number, harkens back to those days. And four cuts from 1952 with Oscar Peterson at the piano and organ round out a tremendous set.

Roy Eldridge Rockin' Chair Track Listing:

   I See Everybody's Baby 
   Little Jazz 
   Basin Street Blues 
   I Remember Harlem 
   Rockin' Chair 
   Easter Parade 
   Roy's Riff 
   Wrap Your Troubles In Dreams 
   Baby What's the Matter With You 
   Yard Dog 
   Sweet Lorraine 
   Jumbo the Elephant