Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy

by Louis Armstrong, Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars

Overview

This recording was not only Louis Armstrong's finest record of the 1950s but one of the truly classic jazz sets. Armstrong and his All-Stars (trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, drummer Barrett Deems, and singer Velma Middleton) were clearly inspired by the fresh repertoire, 11 songs written by W.C. Handy. Their nearly nine-minute version of "St. Louis Blues" -- with witty vocals, roaring Young trombone, and a couple of long majestic trumpet solos -- is arguably the greatest version of the oft-recorded song. Other highlights include "Loveless Love," "Beale Street Blues," and a romping version of "Ole Miss Blues." Essential music for all serious jazz collections. [Some reissues also include rehearsal versions of three songs, Louis Armstrong telling a joke, and a brief George Avakian interview with W.C. Handy.] ~ Scott Yanow

Product Details

Release Date:	10/14/2008
Label:	PURE PLEASURE
UPC:	5060149620250

Tracks

1. St. Louis Blues
2. Yellow Dog Blues
3. Loveless Love
4. Aunt Hagar's Blues
5. Long Gone (From Bowling Green)
6. Memphis Blues
7. Beale Street Blues
8. Ole Miss Blues
9. Chantez Les Bas (Sing 'Em Low)
10. Hesitating Blues
11. Atlanta Blues (Make Me One Pallet on Your Floor)
12. George Avakian's Interview With W.C. Handy
13. Loveless Love [Rehearsal Sequence]
14. Hesitating Blues [Rehearsal Sequence]
15. Alligator Story
16. Long Gone (From Bowling Green) [Rehearsal Sequence]

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Louis Armstrong   Primary Artist,Vocals,Trumpet
W.C. Handy   Primary Artist
George Avakian   Primary Artist
Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars   Primary Artist
Billy Kyle   Guest Artist,Piano
Barrett Deems   Guest Artist,Drums
Barney Bigard   Guest Artist,Clarinet
Velma Middleton   Guest Artist,Vocals
Arvell Shaw   Bass
Trummy Young   Trombone

Technical Credits

Mason Coppinger   Engineer,Engineer,Original Engineering
Louis Armstrong   Performer
Mark Wilder   Engineer,Digital Mastering
W.C. Handy   Performer,Composer
George Avakian   Reissue Producer,Liner Notes,Producer,Engineer
Chris Smith   Composer
Steven Berkowitz   Reissue Series
David Elman   Composer
Seth Rothstein   Project Manager,Project Director
Patti Matheny   A&R,Artist Coordination
Rene Arsenault   Production Assistant
Kevin Gore   Reissue Series
Tim Brymn   Composer
Gina Bello   Design Assistant
Cozbi Sanchez-Cabrera   Art Direction,Reissue Art Director
Randall Martin   Reissue Design
Jennifer Ebert   Packaging Manager
George Norton   Composer