Description

Roy Eldridge Dizzy Gillespie Clark Terry – The Trumpet Kings At Montreux – Cassette

Roy Eldridge, Dizzy Gillespie, and Clark Terry’s The Trumpet Kings at Montreux ’75 is a live jazz album capturing three of the most influential jazz trumpeters of all time performing together at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland in 1975. This iconic album showcases Roy Eldridge, a pioneering swing trumpeter, Dizzy Gillespie, a bebop innovator and co-founder of modern jazz, and Clark Terry, known for his versatility and humor in jazz, in a spirited set filled with virtuosity, humor, and masterful trumpet interplay. Backed by a stellar rhythm section that includes Milt Jackson on vibraphone, Tommy Flanagan on piano, Ray Brown on bass, and Jimmie Smith on drums, the album combines elements of swing, bebop, and hard bop, creating a rich exploration of jazz’s trumpet lineage.

Each of the three trumpeters on this album brought a unique approach to the instrument, showcasing the evolution of jazz from swing through bebop to modern jazz. Roy Eldridge, often called ‘Little Jazz,’ contributed a fiery, blues-infused style rooted in swing, marked by his big sound and ability to play in the high register. Dizzy Gillespie, known for his bebop innovations, added a more complex harmonic approach and playful, often theatrical, improvisations. Clark Terry brought a soulful tone and smooth phrasing, along with a sense of humor in his playing, especially when using his trademark “mumbles” vocal style.

The album features extended solos, playful exchanges, and improvisational call-and-response that reflect the camaraderie and mutual respect between these jazz giants. Their performance is lively, with each trumpeter building off the others, engaging in musical conversations that shift between friendly competition and genuine collaboration. The rhythm section, with Milt Jackson’s smooth vibes and Tommy Flanagan’s elegant piano, provides a sophisticated yet swinging backdrop, enhancing the trumpeters’ dialogue.

The Trumpet Kings at Montreux ’75 is a landmark album that captures the artistry and friendship among three of jazz’s most influential trumpet players, each representing a different era and style. The album serves as both a celebration of the trumpet’s place in jazz history and a masterclass in jazz improvisation, showing how each artist could bring their distinct approach to a cohesive, entertaining whole.

For fans of jazz trumpet and classic jazz, this album is a must-listen, providing insight into the evolution of jazz trumpet technique and expression from swing to bebop and beyond. The camaraderie, playfulness, and virtuosity on display make The Trumpet Kings at Montreux ’75 an enduring testament to the spirit of jazz, showcasing how even in their later years, Eldridge, Gillespie, and Terry continued to innovate and inspire, leaving an indelible mark on jazz music.

Pablo Records

Song List
1. Montreux Blues
2. No Greater Love, (There Is)
3. On The Alamo
4. Blues For Norman
5. Indiana, (Back Home Again In)