Louis Armstrong Louis Sings, Armstrong Plays 1935-1942 CD - Import

Recorded in New York, New York and Los Angeles, California between 1935 and 1942. Includes liner notes by Paul Pelletier.

Taken from sessions recorded in the late '30s and early '40s, this collection finds Armstrong in what is perhaps his last great phase, before the formation of his All-Stars and his reliance upon a strict repertoire of popular songs. While this period sees the maestro primarily tackling standards and radio hits--as opposed to his own material or favorites from the Okeh catalog--his musical personality and finesse are such that only the crankiest jazz purist could complain. The set opens with "I'm In The Mood For Love" and continues through 24 tracks that include such favorites as "I'm Putting All My Eggs In One Basket," "I Can't Give You Anything But Love," and "Pennies From Heaven" (with guest appearances by Frances Langford and Bing Crosby).

As always, Armstrong's rich, textured voice and inimitable delivery, all the more effective here for its understatement, steal the show. So does his searingly bright, virtuosic trumpet playing. As much a cross-section of the American songbook as it is an outstanding example of Armstrong's genius, LOUIS SINGS is an excellent collection for anyone interested in either.

singing in a smoother style than hallmarked his later career, this collection is a genuine delight and will appeal to Jazz & Nostalgia fans alike

Rupert Cole (alto saxophone, clarinet); Charlie Holmes, Phil Waltzer (alto saxophone); Bingie Madison, Albert Nicholas (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Greely Walton, Paul Ricci (tenor saxophone); Sid Trucker (baritone saxophone, clarinet); Prince Robinson (clarinet); Leonard Davis, Gus Aiken, Louis Bacon, Bunny Berigan, Bob Mayhew, Shelton Hemphill, Henry "Red" Allen (trumpets); Harry White, Jimmy Archey, Al Philburn, J.C. Higginbotham, Wilbur De Paris (trombone); Paul Barbarin (vibraphone, drums); Luis Russell, Fulton McGrath (piano); Lee Blair, Dave Barbour, Lawrence Lucie (guitar); Pops Foster, Pete Peterson, Red Callender, John Simmons (bass); Sidney Catlett (drums).

Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Lawrence Lucie (guitar, electric guitar); Dave Barbour, Lee Blair, Roscoe Hillman (guitar); Jack Stacey, Rupert Cole, Jimmy Dorsey (clarinet, alto saxophone); Fud Livingston, Bingie Madison, Joe Garland, Albert Nicholas, Skeets Herfurt (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Sid Trucker (clarinet, baritone saxophone); Sid Stoneburn (clarinet); Phil Waltzer, Henry Jones, Carl Frye, Charlie Holmes (alto saxophone); Paul Ricci, Greely Walton (tenor saxophone); George Thow, Bernard Flood, Bob Mayhew, Bob Cusmano, Gus Aiken, Louis Bacon, Frank Galbreath, Toots Camarata, Shelton Hemphill, Bunny Berigan (trumpet); Al Philburn, Henderson Chambers, Joe Yukl, James Whitney, Snub Mosley, J.C. Higginbotham, Don Mattison, Jimmy Archey, Wilbur DeParis, Bobby Byrne (trombone); Nat Jaffe, Fulton McGrath, Bobby Van Eps, Luis Russell (piano); Paul Barbarin (vibraphone, drums); Ray McKinley, Big Sid Catlett, Stan King (drums).

Liner Note Author: Paul Pelletier.

Recording information: Los Angeles, CA (10/03/1935-04/17/1942); New York, NY (10/03/1935-04/17/1942).

Personnel includes: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Bing Crosby (vocals);