Louis Armstrong Christmas And Hits Duos CD

In one sense, this double-disc collection is merely a way to package two well-known albums in a sleeve and sell them again, an inventory clearing, if you will. On the other hand, it's a great opportunity to pick up two excellent collections by Louis Armstrong that you'd more than likely buy separately if you saw them at the right time. It might also be the perfect Christmas gift for the person you want to hip to Satchmo's particular blend of genius and magic. One set needs little explanation, which is The Definitive Collection. Containing 24 cuts, it has virtually every hit and well-known number that Armstrong recorded for Universal-affiliated labels such as Verve. It also includes a pair of fine duets with Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby on "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and "Gone Fishin'," respectively. Virtually everything else a novice would want is right here as well, including "What a Wonderful World" and the vocal remakes of the original New Orleans hits. The Christmas disc is a real treat because it feels like a complete hoot from start to finish. Satch is featured as a soloist (such as on the album opener, "Christmas in New Orleans" with the Benny Carter Orchestra), in duets with pals like Mel Tormé on his standard "The Christmas Song" andLena Horne on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," fronting the Duke Ellington Orchestra on "Jingle Bells," and leading his own Commanders. Other nice treats include his duet with Peggy Lee on "It's Christmas Time Again" and burning down the house with Louis Jordan on "May Everyday Be Christmas." This is a great holiday offering and should be in everyone's collection. Together these sets are hard to beat. ~ Thom Jurek