One of the outstanding stylists on his instrument during 1940s, Roy Eldridge's trumpet style was a prime influence for the bebop movement. He spent most of the '40s playing with big bands, including those of Artie Shaw and Gene Krupa, where he became a star with his high energy solos and daring aggression and strove to overcome the racial prejudices of the time. Following the end of the big band era, he worked in small group settings with the likes of Oscar Peterson. This 4CD box set, presented with all of Proper's usual care, attention and quality, covers Eldridge's career from its beginnings with the bands of Teddy Wilson, Teddy Hill and Fletcher Henderson, through the big band era and up to his classic early '50s sessions. A 48 page illustrated booklet, with discography tells the whole story.
97 Tracks.