Search - Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie :: Roy & Diz

Delightful Date By Two Trumpet Greats

Michael B. Richman | Portland, Maine USA | 10/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"While I agree with the two reviews below that "Roy And Diz" is a five-star effort, I hope you'll agree that those same two reviews aren't very helpful as to the specifics of this fine recording. This classic Verve CD was originally issued as two Clef LPs ("Roy And Diz," Volumes 1 & 2). Recorded on October 29, 1954 during a marathon session at Radio Recorders Studio in Los Angeles, this stellar set features both Roy Eldridge and Dizzy Gillespie on trumpet, Oscar Peterson on piano, Herb Ellis on guitar, Ray Brown on bass and Louie Bellson on drums (whoa, what a lineup!). They say Roy and Diz were great friends, and it shows in the music. The material is mostly standards with two originals -- Dizzy's "Algo Bueno" and the Roy and Diz collaboration "Trumpet Blues" -- but the tunes are played in a relaxed, easygoing fashion that never smacks of competitive one-upsmanship. While this may not be an absolute classic, it is a delightfully fun and enjoyable session, and since it is great value to boot -- this two-fer logs in at almost 75 minutes -- you should have no doubts about "Roy And Diz.""

The son trying to cut down the father

Daniel Fineberg | Northridge, California USA | 10/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The heated cutting contest is one of the trademarks of jazz lore, where best friends can get up on a stage together and instantly become the fiercest rivals. This particular album transplants that dynamic into the studio, but also adds a unique dimension: Eldridge was the father of Gillespie, musically speaking, and by the time this album was recorded Dizzy had already surpassed his mentor as the greatest trumpet player. If Harold Bloom's "anxiety of influence" of literature could be adapted to music, I think "Roy and Diz" would be a nice illustration of it. One of the defining characteristics of the Eldridge style was taking great, big chances...pushing himself and the instrument as far as they'll go and then going even higher. He has been likened to a tightrope walker working without a net who is not afraid of falling. Dizzy took it to the next level simply by walking faster, and falling less often. The two of them together on this record create pure sustained musical swashbuckling, each man pushing the other to his limits and beyond. "Pretty-Eyed Baby" has them singing a duet, then going into a scat-singing cutting session. If these two aren't enough to hold your interest, the Oscar Peterson trio provides rhythm support. Highly recommended."

Supreme Cutting Contest

Carmen Scriptor | 04/17/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Diz and Roy work together in this album to create a wonderful intermingling of technical mastery, stylistic and harmonic genius. Trumpet Blues is my favorite track. Throughout they mostly stick to harmon and straight mutes and have a great sound. Dizzy's upper octave and Roy's fast fingers make for a real treat for any jazz lover, and trumpet fans especially. A highlight is when Dizzy's mute falls out mid-solo he doesn't miss a beat, just keeps on going!"