Bluebird's Best: Louis Armstrong Sings & Swings CD

One of many in the Bluebird's Best series to present ancient classics from the 20th century's seminal jazz and big-band artists, this recording presents a beautiful portrait of the artist as a young man. The 15 titles selected here by Ruby Braff, fellow trumpeter and Armstrong devotee, document a 14-year period (1932-1946) following Satchmo's revolutionary recordings of the '20s. His raspy voice is often well-parodied, but his unique approach to the opening cut, "I've Got the World on a String," shows a unique genius for phrasing. It's more raw than the Frank Sinatra version everyone is familiar with. The vocal is prefaced by a good minute of lush trumpet playing backed by Armstrong's own orchestra. Some of the '30s tracks sound a bit muddy and unpolished, but later recordings like "Endie" feature richly textured big-band horn arrangements. "The Blues Are Brewin'" is another standout, featuring a smoother-voiced Armstrong than later generations usually hear. There are some sonic challenges (i.e., some technically poor live recordings), but those shortcomings offer a definite charm in helping define this era. ~ Jonathan Widran

Recorded between 1932 & 1947. Includes liner notes by Reuben Jackson.

All tracks have been digitally remastered.

Bluebird's Best. .

Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); "Big" Mike McKendrick (guitar, banjo); Peanuts Hucko (clarinet, tenor saxophone); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Scoville Brown, Johnny Hodges (alto saxophone); Don Byas, Elmer Williams, Budd Johnson (tenor saxophone); Jack Teagarden, Vic Dickenson (trombone); Keg Johnson (tuba); Billy Strayhorn (piano).

Recording information: Camden, NJ (12/08/1932-05/17/1947); Chicago, IL (12/08/1932-05/17/1947); Los Angeles, CA (12/08/1932-05/17/1947); Town Hall, New York, NY (12/08/1932-05/17/1947).

Illustrator: Ruth Marten.

Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Jack Teagarden (vocals, trombone); Scoville Brown (alto saxophone); Peanuts Hucko (tenor saxophone, clarinet); Budd Johnson, Don Bass, Elmer Williams (tenor saxophone); Bobby Hacket (cornet); Vic Dickinson (trombone); Keg Johnson (tuba); Barney Bigards, (clarinet); Dick Cary, Johnny Guarnieri (piano); Mike McKendrick (guitar, banjo).