[Dixielandjazz] Louis Armstrong reviewed - Denver Post, June 22, 2014

[Robert Ringwald]

New Louis Armstrong Recording Captures Live Shows of Jazz Great
by Bret Saunders
Denver Post, June 22, 2014
Louis Armstrong often said he was born on July 4, 1900. He actually came into the
world he would later change for the better on August 4 of that year. But July 4th
is considered to be his "traditional" birthday at the Louis Armstrong House Museum
in New York, and why not? He was the quintessential American artist, ushering in
swing, excitement and pure joy through his trumpet and voice to popular music in
his day. It's hard to imagine not just jazz without his innovations or personality,
but much of what came after his explosive early years in the music business.
There are, of course, many entry points into Armstrong's music. I might suggest,
as many enthusiasts do, that you investigate his easily available Hot Five and Hot
Seven recordings from the 1920s. Those vocal-intensive, commercially successful sessions
with and without singer Ella Fitzgerald, from the 1950s onward, are universally adored
for their warmth. There are boxes and gigabytes of Armstrong awaiting your discovery.
And to add to it all, there's a new compilation chronicling the years somewhere between
these periods, when his output was merely excellent as opposed to trendsetting or
selling in the hundreds of thousands.
"The Complete Columbia and RCA Victor Live Recordings of Louis Armstrong and The
All Stars" (Mosaic) covers global appearances from 1947-1958, and it's a revelatory,
essential package. It's hard to believe that Armstrong was at odds with critics by
the '40s, but his style and approach were no longer regarded as cutting-edge. Like
many big band leaders of the time, Armstrong was forced by economic realities to
scale down his touring groups. Armstrong faced the challenges head on, with accomplished
smaller groups of musicians who ably supported his charisma while shining on their
own.
Nine CDs is a lot of material, and it's a feat in itself how consistently open-hearted
and exuberant nearly everything is here. Armstrong's trumpet chops amaze whether
he's at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1947 or in Accra, Ghana circa 1956. The innovative
clarinetist Edmond Hall is present for most of these sessions, and his virtuosity
is an important asset to the success of the music.
These recordings, many of which have been unearthed for public enjoyment for the
first time, tell a triumphant story. Listening to Armstrong in command of his sound
in a period when he was often written off is simply inspiring. He faced adversity
with a smile, while committing loving acts of sonic heroism. (Find out more at mosaicrecords.com.)
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-Bob Ringwald K6YBV
www.ringwald.com
916/ 806-9551

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