Search - Louis Armstrong :: Big Band Sides 1930-1932

An essential Armstrong set

Peter Oest Jacobsen | Shanghai, China | 10/27/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This set of two CDs follows on the heels of Armstrong's Hot 5's and 7's records. Recorded between April 1930 and March 1932, it showcases Armstrong at his peak. The sound is fuller, due to the accompaniment of 9-10 musicians, and the arrangements seem more professional and mature. Packed with masterpieces, such as Lazy River, Chinatown, My chinatown and Stardust, it surpasses the Hot 5's & 7's in pure listening pleasure.



The CDs come in two standard jewel cases, each with a 4-page 'booklet' including tracklisting, personnel, recording dates and interesting liner notes. The CDs are collected in a 'box' of thin cardboard.

The sound is impeccable. Remastered by John R.T. Davies, it leaves in all the available information, in addition to some surface noise. I had a chance to compare with songs from the Columbia-issued Ken Burns' Armstrong compilation, and while there are subtle differences, the sound quality on both is excellent.



I highly recommend this set."