[Dixielandjazz] Re: Armstrong at Carnegie Hall

[Bill Haesler]

Dear Luis, Phil and Steve,
Sorry to be late in answering this query.
Jess and I were at the 'pictures' (we usually go every Tuesday morning) to
see 'Broadway, The Golden Age', a feature-film length documentary by Rick
McKay.
Great stuff for oldies like us, although it only covers the 50s and 60s.

Luis asked for details about three Louis Armstrong concerts at Carnegie
Hall.
So far as I know, there was only one. Saturday, 8 Feb 1947.
Organised by Leonard Feather (then with RCA), who wanted Louis with a small
group. But Louis was still fronting his orchestra and wanted to use it. They
(Louis, Joe Glaser and Feather) compromised by featuring Louis with Ed
Hall's small band from Café Society Downtown for the first half and Louis'
big band for the second half. [Louis and his rhythm section featured "Do You
Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans" from the then-current film 'New
Orleans' and followed this with a reprise featuring Billie Holiday.]
The whole concert is on an Ambassador CD 1919, currently in stock at Worlds
Records. Jazz Jerry probably also has it. Not hi-fi though, taken from rare
acetates and lovingly restored.
I think Steve may have misread Phil's post when he mentioned a March 1948
concert at Carnegie Hall. Louis was in Europe for the Nice festival and
other engagements at this time.
Phil also cites 3 May 1948 which is mentioned in the Max Jones & John
Chilton book 'Louis'. (Was this your source Phil?)
I have never been able to verify the existence of this alleged concert.
Recordings would be expected, but none have surfaced, so far as I can find.
Maybe the well-known jazz writers and DJMLers, Jack Tracy and Charlie Suhor,
have the answer.  
Kind regards,
Bill.