Listening to the BBC archive recording of Humph and Wynton Marsalis talking about Louis Armstrong.
Very interesting. they also pose the question of favourite Louis recordings. so here are mine.
Hot Five: Cornet Chop Suey. This told me he could get around the horn. (I was 15 year old playing 3rd cornet in a brass band and it hit me that this guy could carve our solo cornet with ease!).
Interestingly, Humph and Wynton talk about South Shields cornet maestro George Swift who died in 1985. One wonders if jazz really began in South Shields?
Interestingly, Humph and Wynton talk about South Shields cornet maestro George Swift who died in 1985. One wonders if jazz really began in South Shields?
Orchestra: Swing That Music. Now on trumpet and singing, this was, for me, the best of the often maligned big band recordings.
All Stars (Teagarden): The New York Town Hall Concert the gig that told the world that Louis was back in Jazzland.
All Stars (Trummy): Satch Plays W.C. Handy. Possibly the greatest version of St. Louis Blues ever!
Vocal: A Kiss to Build a Dream on can't be beat.
Maybe you'd like to suggest some of yours.
Lance.Available here for 7 days.
4 comments :
My favourite, among all the gems, is the 1928 duet with Earl Hines 'Weather Bird'. Other favourites - Savoy Blues 1927 with the great Lonnie Johnson. 1947 All Stars with Teagarden 'Stars Fell on Alabama' possibly one of the most moving tracks in all of jazz?
Hi Lance yes I heard it, it was great, as for favourites where do I start he never made a bad record.
Hotter Than That - Hot Five with Lonnie Johnson.
Jack Armstrong Blues - All Stars with Jack Teagarden.
When You're Smiling - Autobiography LP. (Reserved for my funeral.)
Stars Fell On Alabama - Ella & Louis.
What A Wonderful World - Even as an old man still turning dross into gold.
Hi Lance, now this is a hard one so much good stuff out there.
1) Cornet Chop Suey (Rec 1926) (The Hot Five)
This is a recording that any young aspiring jazz trumpet player should listen and learn from, it's all there, and Louis way ahead of his time, no one else was playing like this at that time.
2) When Your Smiling (Rec 1929) (His Orchestra)
Once again Louis playing things here, that no one else was doing, that last chorus out, where he is playing those fat top E's and holding the melody up an octave, is difficult to sustain to this day.
3) Back O'Town Blues (Rec 1947) (The All Stars)
From the town hall concerts, with Jack Teagarden, this recording reminds me so much of some of the things I have to deal with at Ned Kelly's, just listen to how Louis put's the heckler in his place, (Shut Up "Boy") absolute magic, plus a great vocal from Louis, wonderful atmosphere and fun.
4) Ella & Louis (Rec 1956)
This is a wonderful album, and sounds as fresh today, as if it was recorded just recently, two of the top entertainers of their time, and a great rhythm section with Oscar Peterson.
5) For this Lance I agree with you,for his output in the 1960's, I would have to go with Give Me A Kiss to Build A Dream On, this and What A Wonderful World are still very popular in Hong Kong with many young people, and every night we get requests for both, but for me it is A Kiss To Build A Dream On.
Colin Aitchison
Bandleader
Ned Kelly's Last Stand
Hong Kong.
Hi Lance,
It is very difficult to make a choice but probably my favourite solo is the two twelve bar choruses in Savoy Blues recorded late at night after presumably a long night playing a gig.
Also do not overlook his early efforts with Fletcher Henderson he plays a wonderful solo on Why Couldn't It Be Poor little Me.
From the 193O's his huge out put makes it almost impossible to select but I always loved the relaxed playing on Song Of The Islands.
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