I've always carried a torch for Eldridge ever since I heard "After You've Gone" on Humphrey Lyttleton's "Best of Jazz" nearly 40 years ago. (How many jazz fans did Humph create over the years? Must run into millions...)
For a trumpeter of his stature, the link between Armstrong and Gillespie in the family tree, he is under-recorded; the prospect of a set of live sessions made when he was 26 and at the height of his powers was enticing.
However, I have to say that the sound quality, particularly of the last three tracks, is so bad that only the most dedicated Little Jazz fan will persevere. The playing is white-hot, especially on Exactly Like You and I Got Rhythm - if you can make it out, that is. The sleeve claims that the tracks have been cleaned up; if so, God knows what they must have sounded like before.
If you want to learn about Eldridge, get the Proper box set which is a joy and a bargain, though not currently available on Amazon. This one is only for the most dedicated fans.
