Monterey Jazz Festival Records releases its first five albums today, and the festival performances chosen for release are Louis Armstrong 1958, Miles Davis Quintet 1963, Thelonious Monk 1964, Dizzy Gillespie 1965 and Sarah Vaughan 1971.
Last week I talked about Miles. Today I'll speak about Satchmo.
The oldest recording of the five Monterey albums may very well be the best. Louis Armstrong's set is filled with roaring swing, classic dixieland jazz and some songs you might not expect, like Blueberry Hill. The first time I listened to this album, a silly grin was glued to my face. Tapping my foot and laughing a few times, I looked a bit drunk as I was swept away by Armstrong and his band.
And that's the key - it's all about the band. Louie isn't always the center of attention. Other band members lead songs and have mountains of solo time. Danny Barcelona destroys the drums, the piano work of Billy Kyle is on point, and Peanuts Hucko plays clarinet like you wouldn't believe. Rounding out the crew, Trummy Young plays the trombone and does a little vocal work, Mort Herbert plays bass and Velma Middleton sings on the last three tracks.
By far, this is the best Louis Armstrong recording I've heard, as Satcho growls his vocals and plays his trumpet with joy. It's apparent that everyone on stage (and in the crowd) is having a great time. And this great time pours out the speakers and becomes downright infectious. If you haven't heard much Armstrong, this album is the perfect place to start.
Track List:
01. Introduction by Dizzie Gillespie
02. When it's Sleepy Down South
03. Indiana
04. Blueberry Hill
05. Tiger Rag
06. Now you has Jazz
07. High Society Calypso
08. Bucket's got a Hole in It
09. Perdido
10. Autumn Leaves
11. After You've Gone
12. These Foolish Things
13. Mack the Knife [Streaming .asx]
14. Stompin' at the Savoy
15. Undecided
16. St. Louis Blues
17. That's my Desire
18. When the Saints go Marching In
Last week I talked about Miles. Today I'll speak about Satchmo.
The oldest recording of the five Monterey albums may very well be the best. Louis Armstrong's set is filled with roaring swing, classic dixieland jazz and some songs you might not expect, like Blueberry Hill. The first time I listened to this album, a silly grin was glued to my face. Tapping my foot and laughing a few times, I looked a bit drunk as I was swept away by Armstrong and his band.
And that's the key - it's all about the band. Louie isn't always the center of attention. Other band members lead songs and have mountains of solo time. Danny Barcelona destroys the drums, the piano work of Billy Kyle is on point, and Peanuts Hucko plays clarinet like you wouldn't believe. Rounding out the crew, Trummy Young plays the trombone and does a little vocal work, Mort Herbert plays bass and Velma Middleton sings on the last three tracks.
By far, this is the best Louis Armstrong recording I've heard, as Satcho growls his vocals and plays his trumpet with joy. It's apparent that everyone on stage (and in the crowd) is having a great time. And this great time pours out the speakers and becomes downright infectious. If you haven't heard much Armstrong, this album is the perfect place to start.
Track List:
01. Introduction by Dizzie Gillespie
02. When it's Sleepy Down South
03. Indiana
04. Blueberry Hill
05. Tiger Rag
06. Now you has Jazz
07. High Society Calypso
08. Bucket's got a Hole in It
09. Perdido
10. Autumn Leaves
11. After You've Gone
12. These Foolish Things
13. Mack the Knife [Streaming .asx]
14. Stompin' at the Savoy
15. Undecided
16. St. Louis Blues
17. That's my Desire
18. When the Saints go Marching In
