In December 1953, trumpeter Roy “Little Jazz" Eldridge recorded The Strolling Mr. Eldridge for Norman Granz's Clef label. Eldridge was a member of Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic tour and recording group of all stars.
The album was released during the “speed wars," when Columbia's 33 1/3 and RCA's 45 rpm formats were in fierce competition. Many labels issued albums on both speeds to cover their bases. Both formats would survive the battle—the 33 1/3 for LPs and 45s for singles. The Strolling Mr. Eldridge was released on both.
On this album, Eldridge was backed by a top-notch rhythm section: Oscar Peterson (p), Herb Ellis (g), Ray Brown (b) and Alvin Stoller (d).
Eldridge was a swing-era player distinguished by the sizzle he'd often add on his horn on up-tempo numbers and his lyrical, warm quality on ballads.
The tracks. (the times below refer to where on the time bar you can find individual songs):
Here's The Strolling Mr. Eldridge without ad interruptions...
The album was released during the “speed wars," when Columbia's 33 1/3 and RCA's 45 rpm formats were in fierce competition. Many labels issued albums on both speeds to cover their bases. Both formats would survive the battle—the 33 1/3 for LPs and 45s for singles. The Strolling Mr. Eldridge was released on both.
On this album, Eldridge was backed by a top-notch rhythm section: Oscar Peterson (p), Herb Ellis (g), Ray Brown (b) and Alvin Stoller (d).
Eldridge was a swing-era player distinguished by the sizzle he'd often add on his horn on up-tempo numbers and his lyrical, warm quality on ballads.
The tracks. (the times below refer to where on the time bar you can find individual songs):
- Willow Weep For Me
- When Your Lover Has Gone 03:20
- Echoes Of Harlem 06:29
- When It's Sleepy Time Down South 10:15
- Somebody Loves Me 13:21
- Feeling A Draft 16:54
- I Can't Get Started 20:27
- Don't Blame Me 23:51
Here's The Strolling Mr. Eldridge without ad interruptions...
This story appears courtesy of JazzWax by Marc Myers.
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