Roy Eldridge w. Budd Johnson - The Nifty Cat (1970 Master Jazz_New World

To me, his best lp era album, and with a sensational Budd Johnson.

Roy Eldridge Trumpet, Vocals
Budd Johnson Sax (Soprano), Sax (Tenor)
Benny Morton Trombone
Nat Pierce Piano
Tommy Bryant Bass
Oliver Jackson Drums

1 Jolly Hollis Eldridge 9'38
2 Cotton Eldridge 4'57
3 5400 North Eldridge 6'03
4 Ball of Fire Eldridge, Krupa 4'00
5 Wineola Eldridge 7'50
6 The Nifty Cat Eldridge 6'53

Review by Scott Yanow
One of only two Eldridge-led studio sessions from the 1961-74 period, this CD reissue of a set originally recorded for Master Jazz matches the great swing trumpeter with Budd Johnson (who doubles on tenor and soprano), trombonist Benny Morton, pianist Nat Pierce, bassist Tommy Bryant and drummer Oliver Jackson. All six of the jump tunes are by Eldridge with "5400 North" and "Ball of Fire" being best-known. For this album the veteran trumpeter had a very rare opportunity to call his own shots on a recording date and the generally inspired playing makes this CD a fine example of small-group swing from the early '70s.