- Audio CD (Jan 24 2007)
- Number of Discs: 1
- Format: Original recording remastered
- Label: Sony Music Canada Inc.
- ASIN: B000002ADP
- Other Editions: Audio CD
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
#56,045 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
- #55 in Music > Jazz > New Orleans Jazz
- #62 in Music > Jazz > Compilations > New Orleans & Dixieland Jazz
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Product Details |
Track Listings
| 1. St. Louis Blues |
| 2. Yellow Dog Blues |
| 3. Loveless Love |
| 4. Aunt Hagar's Blues |
| 5. Long Gone (From The Bowlin' Green) |
| 6. The Memphis Blues (Or Mister Crump) |
| 7. Beale Street Blues |
| 8. Ole Miss Blues |
| 9. Chantez Les Bas (Sing 'Em Low) |
| 10. Hesitating Blues |
| 11. Atlanta Blues (Make Me One Pallet On Your Floor) |
| 12. George Avakian's Interview With W.C. Handy - W.C. Handy |
| 13. Loveless Love (Rehearsal Sequence) |
| 14. Hesitating Blue (Rehearsal Sequence) |
| 15. Alligator Story |
| 16. Long Gone (From The Bowlin' Green) (Rehearsal Sequence) |
Product Description
Product Description
A wonderful meeting of two institutions of American music, this 1954 album was the finest recording of Louis Armstrong's later career, with the great trumpeter-singer turning to material that was very close to his roots. Both W.C. Handy and Armstrong had a complex relationship with the blues, an essential source for both Handy's popular songs and Armstrong's improvisational art, and these recordings touch on the heart of the matter. On "Yellow Dog Blues," a product of Handy's own early and chance encounter with the rural blues, there's a majesty that recalls Armstrong's early recordings with Bessie Smith. Armstrong is clearly inspired by the classic material and the chance to stretch out on record, and his regular band of the period joins in perfectly. Trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Billy Kyle, and singer Velma Middleton contribute stellar solos and support, while bassist Arvell Shaw and drummer Barrett Deems do an exceptional job of keeping the slower tempos rock steady. This is a deeply moving and consummately executed performance. --Stuart Broomer
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Customer Reviews
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Most helpful customer reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great Louis Armstrong album,
By
This review is from: Plays W.C. Handy (Audio CD)
This is a great introduction to Louis Armstrong's music because it has instrumental soloing, Louis Armstrong's trademark vocals, and New Orleans style ensemble playing. I prefer instrumental jazz over vocal, but I like the vocals of Louis Armstrong (as long as he's playing trumpet too) so this album should appeal to both people who like vocals and those who like instrumental jazz because both are in abundance. The programme is all blues (obviously), has Velma Middleton accompanying Louis Armstrong on vocals, and features solos by Trummy Young and Barney Bigard as well as Louis himself. If you were going to get two things by Louis Armstrong I would also recommend the "Louis Armstrong Complete Hot Five and Hot Sevens" (get it on JSP because it's a lot cheaper than the Columbia version, plus I hear the Columbia has worse sound). That collection is great, it shows his music develop, I can't recommend it enough. Neither can I recommend this enough. All the tracks here are classic, not a single dud. Do not consider getting the 1986 edition of this album, it has alternate takes and "improved" takes instead of the originals. Luckily for this edition they recovered the originals, plus some rehearsal takes, and an interview with W.C. Handy. Overall a solid album all the way through, and very fun.
5.0 out of 5 stars
One of Armstrong's best...,
By ewomack "ewomack" (MN USA) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Plays W.C. Handy (Audio CD)
This album is often hailed as one of Armstrong's best. This is no surprise: the music nears the miraculous. This is late Armstrong with a vengeance. Every song is a gem. Armstrong's vocals are beyond belief, and his duets with Velma Middleton add much variety and color to the music. The band is on as on can get. This is, in fact, one of those albums that one has to look very hard to find faults (I still haven't found any, but I'll let you know probably never).The CD booklet tells the story of the making of this classic album. Its roots can be traced back to a business lunch in 1954, which proves that timeless art can have very humble origins. Also included is the story of reconstructing the tapes from the sessions of this album. The story is a sad one as the producer finds that many of the original material has been scrapped or "improved" (which more or less meant destroyed in this case). It's very interesting how the team reconstructed this album for its second CD release (its first release was in 1986 and not considered satisfactory for many reasons). The bonus material is interesting in elucidating how this album was made and also offers a peek at Armstrong's methodology for putting together a song with his band. Armstrong's "Alligator Story" provides a fun aside to the music. This album is only one reason why Louis Armstrong is considered one of America's best and most influential artists ever. Put it on and be convinced in under 10 notes.
5.0 out of 5 stars
POP'S IS TOPS,
By CHRIS FITZ (Australia) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Plays W.C. Handy (Audio CD)
I have just recently bought this cd and have fallen in love with it. There is not much point writing it's praises as all the reviews below have done that. All I can say is that this is one of the best blues/jazz cd's that I have heard in a very long time. The mastering is fabulous and could have been recorded yesterday, that's how good the sound is.The music itself is very traditional and has a New Orleans feel. It sounds as if the musicians are hamming it up, clowning around and enjoying themselves. This enjoyment will jump out of your speakers and you won't be able to stop yourself smiling. Velma's voice is pretty good too and you can tell, she's enjoying this recording date as much Louis and the fella's. This is probably one of (if not) the best album of Pops that I have heard and can't recommend it enough.
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