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Binding: Audio CD EAN: 5099706492528 Label: Sony Jazz Manufacturer: Sony Jazz Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Sony Jazz Release Date: April 07, 1997 Studio: Sony Jazz Sales Rank: 14214
From Amazon.com: 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
Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: - Fantastic
I bought this on the basis of the reviews and was knocked out by the album.Surely it must rank amongst the very best Louis Armstrong albums.Captivating from start to finish and the music quality is as fresh as tomorrow. Simply can't beleive the price, please don't let it put you off it is worth far far more.
Rating: - One of my favourite albums...
What a magnificent CD!
I heard this album in the LP form at the beginnings of my explorations into jazz but, as the CD era started, I was warned that the 80's CD of "Armstrong plays W. C. Handy" contains inferior alternate versions.
The producer George Avakian explains in this 1997 CD what happened and how painstaking and meticolous research and restoration resulted in this issue, basically equall to the original album, although the recording company had lost not only masters but ... Read More
Rating: - a classic recording date that will never age
This is quite simply one of the best recordings I have ever had the pleasure of listening to. I have heard many LPs over the years but this is fantastic, the quality of the recordings is matched by the wonderful playing and singing. The atmosphere is stunning and illustrates what is missing from today's music - performance, energy and humour. Also equally worth checking out is Satchmo's tribute to Fats waller, both albums are absolute classics!!!
Rating: - WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW and......... WOW
SPECTACULAR .... a friend put me on to this a few years back and if you really want to hear the best classic RnB then this is for you! Fan or no fan this really is one amazing album and i can honestly say it has changed my mindset into what maybe i should be listening to on a lazy sunday. Why there are only 3 reveiws on here i do not know.? i dont normally write them but like i said dont question it just buy it and expand your mind on how real music was made with real people.
Rating: - If you only buy one classic jazz album, buy this!
Being relatively new to Jazz myself, the choice of Jazz albums seems staggering, even the number of Louis Armstrong CD's is daunting - but this is one of the best there is (the rather damning Penguin Jazz Guide review is based on an early reissue, this version of the original masters is worthy of a full 5 stars). The music is classic Armstrong playing combined with perfect Handy blues. If this CD inspires you (and at this price its got to be worth it), then try the Hot 5's and 7's box set for another ... Read More