From the self appointed jazz editor

Gregadd

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If you agree with me that Louis Armstrong was vastly misunderstood because of handkerchief, bulging eyes and bigger than life smile. You have to concede that he mastered his instrument, achieved popular and critical acclaim., and financial success.

The January issue of tas #209pp 176-7. list ten essential Louis Armstron Albums I have not heard them myself. But it's Louis Armstrong what more can I say.
 

Jay_S

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Apr 20, 2010
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Armstrong had a fascinating life story that has nothing to do with the handkerchief, etc. He was not afraid to speak his mind. An example is when he criticized President Eisenhower for having no guts after Orville Faubus sent National Guard troops to Little Rock High School. My favorites are the Hot Five and Hot Seven groups going back to the mid-20s.
 

Johnny Vinyl

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I have that issue and was going through it as well since I'm interested in getting some of his vinyl. Rather than relying on what the editors of TAS have to say, can I turn to you for some recommendations?

John
 

DWR

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Hi John,
I read that article myself, there are a lot of nice recordings out there on vinyl, here are two of my favorites that are not on that list of ten, which IMO is a great list. Louis Under The Stars is a classic records 45rpm 4 lp single sided recording that I really like. Also this one here you may have to find used but I love it. Satchmo at Symphony Hall, this is a two lp recording of a concert he did on 11-30-47. There are a lot of different artists on this one, Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard,Dick Cary, Sidney Catlett, ArvellShaw, and Velma Middleton.

Dan
 

Johnny Vinyl

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Hi John,
I read that article myself, there are a lot of nice recordings out there on vinyl, here are two of my favorites that are not on that list of ten, which IMO is a great list. Louis Under The Stars is a classic records 45rpm 4 lp single sided recording that I really like. Also this one here you may have to find used but I love it. Satchmo at Symphony Hall, this is a two lp recording of a concert he did on 11-30-47. There are a lot of different artists on this one, Jack Teagarden, Barney Bigard,Dick Cary, Sidney Catlett, ArvellShaw, and Velma Middleton.

Dan


Thanks guys! :)
 

MylesBAstor

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Apr 20, 2010
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If you agree with me that Louis Armstrong was vastly misunderstood because of handkerchief, bulging eyes and bigger than life smile. You have to concede that he mastered his instrument, achieved popular and critical acclaim., and financial success.

The January issue of tas #209pp 176-7. list ten essential Louis Armstron Albums I have not heard them myself. But it's Louis Armstrong what more can I say.

How about being high all the time :)
 

Gregadd

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slowGEEZR

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While I'm no jazz expert, I only have a few hundred jazz albums, I do have three Louis Armstrong albums I can heartily recommend. They are: "Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington Recording Together for the First Time", "Satchmo Plays King Oliver" and "Louis Armstrong & Duke Ellington The Great Reunion".
 

jazdoc

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If you are looking for a well-written, accessible biography of Armstrong "Pops" by Terry Teachout is outstanding.

As to music...

slowGEEZR's recommendations are terrific and these are available on good to excellent sounding reissues.

The Hot Fives and Sevens are essential. The original Columbia LP (6 eye) issues are pretty good sounding considering these were recorded in the late 1920's. These recordings capture when Armstrong revolutioned jazz and reinvented singing with classics like "West End Blues" and "Potato Head Blues".

I also like the Decca recordings with his great small ensemble of the 40's and 50's. I own a few of the original LPs but highly recommend the Mosaic box set http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=34633

If you can find a copy of the posthumous "July 4, 1900/July 6, 1971" on RCA, it is quite good.
 

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