This album teams tenor saxophonist Paul Gonsalves and trumpeter Roy Eldridge quite late in their careers. Gonsalves would pass away within a year and Eldridge would only be able to play for about five more. Actually, Eldridge is in generally good (and typically combative) form on tunes such as his "5400 North" and "C Jam Blues." The ailing Gonsalves is tentative and streaky in spots and just average throughout despite his best efforts. The rhythm section (pianist Cliff Smalls, bassist Sam Jones and drummer Eddie Locke) is perfectly up to the task and has "It's the Talk of the Town" as its feature. It's an interesting historical album although the leader has sounded much better elsewhere.by Scott Yanow
Tracklist:
1 5400 North 6:50
Roy Eldridge
2 I Cover the Waterfront 8:21
Johnny Green / Edward Heyman
3 C Jam Blues 5:50
Barney Bigard / Duke Ellington
4 Body and Soul 7:28
Frank Eyton / Johnny Green / Edward Heyman / Robert Sour
5 It's the Talk of the Town 7:00
Jerry Livingston / Al J. Neiburg / Marty Symes
6 Somebody Loves Me 4:52
Buddy DeSylva / George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / Ballard MacDonald
- Bonus Track -
7 Satin Doll 5:43
Duke Ellington / Johnny Mercer / Billy Strayhorn
Credits:
Bass – Sam Jones
Drums – Eddie Locke
Piano – Cliff Smalls
Tenor Saxophone – Paul Gonsalves
Trumpet, Vocals – Roy Eldridge
