Louis Armstrong What A Wonderful World CD

Personnel includes: Louis Armstrong (vocals); Tyree Glenn (trombone); Joe Muranyi (clarinet); Marty Napoleon (piano); Buddy Catlett (bass); Danny Barcelona (drums).
Recorded in New York, New York and Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. Includes original release liner notes by John F. Szwed & additional liner notes by Bob Thiele.
Personnel includes: Louis Armstrong (vocals); Tyree Glenn (trombone); Joe Muranyi (clarinet); Marty Napoleon (piano); Buddy Catlett (bass); Danny Barcelona (drums).
Recorded in New York and Las Vegas, Nevada in 1968. Includes liner notes by John F Szwed & Bob Thiele.
Digitally remastered by Glenn Meadows (Masterfonics, Nashville, Tennessee).
Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet).
Liner Note Authors: John F. Szwed; Bob Thiele.
Recording information: Las Vegas, NV (1968); NY, NY (1968).
Photographers: Bert Stern; Herman Leonard.
Helmed by legendary producer Bob Thiele, this 1968 recording ushered Louis Armstrong into his later days as a pop vocalist. Here, the trumpet that drove Armstrong's early Hot Fives and Sevens is more subdued as his familiar gravelly voice takes center stage. Showcasing the powerful title track as well as several cheery pop favorites, Armstrong's prowess as an interpreter of song is unmistakable during these recordings, despite his rapidly failing health. Satchmo's amiable presence carries this recording through a few slow moments and has endeared the album as a pop vocal classic. ~ Zac Johnson
The title cut and "Cabaret" from this mostly vocal session were big hits, but most of the other selections are only passable due to the charm of Louis Armstrong. There is very little trumpet here with the last version of The All-Stars doing their best to support an ailing but still cheerful Armstrong. ~ Scott Yanow
Only the most hardhearted of cynics could resist the melancholy sweetness of this album's beloved title track. The song was a hit in 1968 and only became the opening cut on this wonderful album some 20 years later. This well-known recording of the tender ballad--complete with a 16-piece string section--is lovely enough. But it is Pops' gravelly voice and inimitable signature delivery that really bring out its beautiful, aching quality.
Also included are such hits as "Cabaret," "Dream A Little Dream Of Me," and the Mills Brothers' "I Guess I'll Get The Papers And Go Home." New songs such as "The Home Fire and "Give Me Your Kisses" show that Armstrong, even in his later years, was still bursting with personality and the essence of jazz. One of his best-selling albums ever, WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD is, well, wonderful! This disc acts as a fond tribute to one of the most important figures in American music.