Louis Armstrong Albums (28)
'The Legendary Berlin Concert'
Release Date 6/13/2006
Tracks 9
Label Jazzpoint
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'Pasadena Civic Auditorium June 20, 1956'
Release Date 12/14/2004
Tracks 13
Label Giants of Jazz
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What The Critics Say
Louis Armstrong was a huge international star who could easily fill any venue during most of his career; this 1956 performance with his All-Stars at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium features trombonist Trummy Young and clarinetist Edmond Hall, along with the perennially underrated pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, and drummer Barrett Deems, with vocalist Velma Middleton added for a few fun duets with the leader. The set list is a typical blend of New Orleans jazz, traditional jazz, swing and pop songs of the day. The sound quality is for the most part excellent, though Young's occasionally loud solos cause a bit of distortion. Kyle is featured with the rhythm section in a swinging treatment of "Perdido," while Hall is spotlighted in a lively take of "Dardanella." Armstrong is at his best throughout the concert and he obviously pleased the crowd throughout the evening. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'Historic Barcelona Concerts'
Release Date 11/16/2004
Tracks 31
Label Fresh Sound
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What The Critics Say
Louis Armstrong was scheduled for four concerts in a two-day period (December 22-23, 1955) in Barcelona, Spain, but, due to travel difficulties, at the last minute it was changed to three concerts in a single day. The performances made a strong impression upon the audiences who had never had Satch in their country before. For decades there were rumors that tapes had been made of the concerts, but it was not until producer Jordi Pujol accidentally ran across a collector who had the tapes in 1997 that the music was permanently saved. The resulting two-CD set has 27 selections from the day (plus two opening and closing versions of "When It's Sleepy Time Down South"). The music is surprisingly well recorded and, although Armstrong and his All-Stars (trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Edmond Hall, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, drummer Barrett Deems, and singer Velma Middleton) run through their usual tunes of the period, they seem quite inspired by the cheering crowds. Another reason why this release is rated higher than normal is the superb packaging which contains an illustrated booklet full of photos (and text in both English and Spanish), plus a duplicate of the concert program given out to the audience. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Memories of New Orleans'
Release Date 1/12/2004
Tracks 24
Label Saga Jazz
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'Honorary President of HCF'
Release Date 2/19/2002
Tracks 10
Label Milan
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What The Critics Say
For those who never got to see Satchmo Legacy Band live, this album goes a long way in relating what must surely have been one of the great wonders of the world. Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars -- featuring trombonist Jack Teagarden, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Earl Hines, bassist Arvel Shaw, and drummer Big Sid Catlett -- toured often throughout Europe during the 1940s. Here we find the group performing in Trieste, northern Italy, in 1949. While the recording quality isn't stellar, every note is clear and audible. Trumpeter Armstrong was still playing very near the top of his game during this period and his clarion tones ring over the often-cheering audience. One of the more surpassing highlights on this utterly compelling disc is Shaw's exotic and funky solo turn on Irving Berlin's "Russian Lullaby," which prefigures much of what bassist Charles Mingus would accomplish in the following decades. Velma Middleton also appears singing on "Don't Worry About Me" and Hines takes a burning ragtime solo turn on "I Got Rhythm." ~ Matt Collar, All Music Guide
'In Chicago Aug. 1, 1962'
Release Date 1/8/2002
Tracks 17
Label Storyville
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What The Critics Say
By the time of this 1962 concert in Chicago, Louis Armstrong had a fairly set program of favorites which he didn't deviate very far from, but that doesn't mean that this well-recorded set isn't thoroughly enjoyable. Accompanied by long time All Stars Trummy Young on trombone and Billy Kyle on piano, as well as relative newcomers Joe Darensbourg (clarinet), Billy Cronk (bass), and Danny Barcelona (drums), they effortlessly segue from "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" to "(Back Home Again In) Indiana" and "Give Me a Kiss to Build a Dream On" without sounding the least bit tired of these time tested numbers. Of course, Armstrong's vocals were every bit as important as his trumpet at this point, sharing the vocals with the soft voiced Trummy Young on the swinging "My Bucket's Got a Hole in It." Kyle is featured with just the rhythm section in a tasty rendition of "When I Grow Too Old to Dream" with the rest of the band only joining in near its conclusion. The more commercial numbers disparaged by hardcore purists are also present, including "Blueberry Hill" and "C'Est Si Bon," but the energy of the performance and the excellent well-balanced sound make up for any perceived shortcomings. While this may not eclipse the live recordings earlier editions of Louis Armstrong & His All Stars, this very delightful concert is heartily recommended to one and all. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
'1949: Live at the Hollywood Empire'
Release Date 7/10/2001
Tracks 19
Label Storyville
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What The Critics Say
The 1949 Louis Armstrong All-Stars recorded very little in the studios despite their rise to great popularity and the rather notable personnel: Armstrong, trombonist Jack Teagarden, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Earl Hines, bassist Arvell Shaw, and drummer Sid Catlett (who would be leaving the All-Stars after this engagement). Fortunately they were captured live in concert and frequently on the radio. This CD has the sextet during their stay at the Hollywood Empire, broadcasting on the radio. Armstrong's usual repertoire of the period is featured, including "Panama," "Back O'Town Blues," "A Song Was Born," "Mahogany Hall Stomp," and "Rockin' Chair." In addition, there are individual features for the other musicians, including Velma Middleton singing "Don't Fence Me In," Bigard on "C Jam Blues," Teagarden on "A Hundred Years From Today" and "Lover," and Earl Hines romping on "Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues." Despite the fact that even by 1949 much of the material was not fresh, Satch and his sidemen all sound quite enthusiastic. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
'Historic Barcelona Concerts at the Windsor Palace'
Release Date 1/1/2000
Tracks 16
Label Fresh Sound
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What The Critics Say
It seems that record labels will go to extremes to release "new" recordings by jazz legends who aren't around to contest them. The two-CD compilation The Katanga Concert, released in 2000, combines a previously unreleased concert from 1960 by Louis Armstrong in Katanga, Africa, with 17 tracks that were previously issued on one of two earlier Milan CDs, Blueberry Hill and What a Wonderful World: The Elizabethtown Concert. ~ Ken Dryden, All Music Guide
