Introduction
Jon Eardley (September 30, 1928 – April 1, 1991) was an American jazz trumpeter, who while not particularly well known in his native country became a highly respected musician in Europe.
Life and career
Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania, Eardley first started on trumpet at the age of 11; his father played in Paul Whiteman's orchestra. From 1946 to 1949 Eardley played in an Air Force band in Washington, D.C., then led with his own quartet in D.C. from 1950 to 1953.
He moved to New York City in 1953, playing with Phil Woods (1954), Gerry Mulligan (1954–57), and Hal McIntyre (1956). Following this he returned to his hometown and played there until 1963, when he moved to Belgium. In 1969 he moved to Cologne, Germany, playing there with Harald Banter and Chet Baker and working through the 1980s. The last years before death he played in the WDR Big Band Cologne, Germany. He died in Lambermont, near Verviers, Belgium.
Discography
- Jon Eardley in Hollywood (New Jazz) - original title: First Sessions (Prestige), with Pete Jolly, Red Mitchell, Larry Bunker - recorded in Los Angeles, 1954
- Hey, There (Prestige) with J. R. Monterose, George Syran, Teddy Kotick, Nick Stabulas - recorded in New York City, March 14, 1955
- The Jon Eardley Seven (Prestige) with Zoot Sims, Phil Woods, Milt Gold, George Syran, Teddy Kotick, Nick Stabulas - recorded in New York City, January 13, 1956.
- Namely Me (Spotlite), with Pete King, John Taylor, Ron Mathewson, Mickey Roker - recorded in London, August 12/13, 1977
- Stablemates (Spotlite) with Art Themen, Al Haig, Daryl Runswick, Allan Ganley - recorded in London, September 16, 1977.
- Two of a Kind (Spotlite), with Mick Pyne - recorded in London, September 12, 1977
- My Funny Valentine & Round Midnight (Circle) with Chet Baker, Bob Mover, Dennis Luxion , Rocky Knauer, Burkhart Ruckert - recorded live in Salt Peanuts Club Cologne (Germany), May 21 & 23, 1981
With Gerry Mulligan
- California Concerts Vol. 1 and 2 (Pacific Jazz, 1955)
- Presenting the Gerry Mulligan Sextet (EmArcy, 1955)
- Mainstream of Jazz (EmArcy, 1956)
- Profile (EmArcy, 1956)
With Zoot Sims
- Americans Swinging in Paris (1956)