Platinum & Gold Collection

by Louis Armstrong

Overview

Louis Armstrong's later work in the '30s, '40s, and beyond has usually taken a critical backseat to his earlier material recorded with the Hot Fives and Hot Sevens in the '20s. It could be argued, however, that his later work, while no longer revolutionary, was more accessible to the general public who appreciated his vocals as much as his trumpet playing. Platinum and Gold Collection reaches back into the Bluebird vault to collect a sampling of Armstrong's music from two separate periods: the first, orchestra recordings dating back to 1933, represented by gems like "I've Got the World on a String," and the second, smaller group recordings from 1946-47, featuring favorites like "Pennies From Heaven." Most of the cuts equally balance Armstrong's singing and playing, and the two time periods blend well. If the latter material gets a slight nod it's because Satchmo gets to match musical wits with the likes of pianist Billy Strayhorn, alto Johnny Hodges, and trombonist Jack Teagarden. There's a fine take on Maceo Pinkard's "Sugar," kicking off with a lovely trumpet solo, and a winning version of "Ain't Misbehavin'" with Armstrong's trademark vocal treatment. Platinum and Gold Collection offers a good one-stop collection to check out two productive periods for Armstrong, and also a good place to trace the steps of an artist who kept making changes to keep his sound fresh. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.

Product Details

Release Date:	08/19/2003
Label:	Bmg Heritage / Bluebird
UPC:	0828765421621
Rank:	164257

Tracks

1. I've Got the World on a String
2. Mahogany Hall Stomp
3. Pennies From Heaven
4. Mighty River
5. I Want a Little Girl
6. Snafu
7. He's a Son of the South
8. Ain't Misbehavin'
9. The Blues Are Brewin'
10. Sugar
11. That's My Home
12. Save It, Pretty Mama

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Louis Armstrong   Primary Artist,Vocals,Soloist,Trumpet
Esquire All-Americans   Primary Artist
Louis Armstrong & His All-Stars   Primary Artist
Teddy Wilson   Guest Artist
Jack Teagarden   Guest Artist,Trombone,Obbligatto Vocals
Bobby Hackett   Guest Artist,Cornet,Obbligatto Vocals
Vic Dickenson   Trombone
Don Byas   Sax (Tenor)
Keg Johnson   Tuba,Soloist
Billy Strayhorn   Piano
Johnny Hodges   Sax (Alto)
Budd Johnson   Soloist,Sax (Tenor)
Peanuts Hucko   Clarinet,Sax (Tenor)
Barney Bigard   Clarinet,Obbligatto Vocals
Dick Cary   Piano
Elmer "Skippy" Williams   Sax (Tenor)
Scoville Brown   Soloist,Sax (Alto)
"Big" Mike McKendrick   Banjo,Guitar,Soloist

Technical Credits

Spencer Williams   Composer
Paul Denniker   Composer
Sidney Mitchell   Composer
Andy Razaf   Composer
Harold Arlen   Composer
Eddie DeLange   Composer
Billy Baskette   Composer
Jeremy Holiday   Project Director
Joe Davis   Composer
Ben Ellison   Composer
Fats Waller   Composer
Esquire All-Americans   Performer
Leonard Feather   Composer
Maceo Pinkard   Composer
John Hudson   Project Director
Leon Rene   Composer
Joshua Sherman   Compilation Producer
Mathieu Bitton   Art Direction,Design
Otis Rene   Composer
Reginald Foresythe   Composer
Arthur Johnston   Composer
Harry Brooks   Composer
Ted Koehler   Composer
Billy Moll   Composer
Don Redman   Composer
Louis Alter   Composer
Murray Mencher   Composer
Johnny Burke   Composer
Edna Alexander   Composer
Michael Barnard   Mastering
Reuben Jackson   Liner Notes