Search - Louis Armstrong :: Louis & the Angels/Louis & the Good

Yet another side of Louis

Jason Koffman | MINNEAPOLIS, MN USA | 03/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I just discovered this great MCA UK only 2 for 1 CD. Could there be more? This disc focuses on Louis' gospel and sacred side, one which is not always that apparent in his older recordings.On "Louis And The Angels" (1957) he is accompanied by the Sy Oliver Orchestra and Choir who lean on the pop side, but in this case it works just fine. Billy Kyle, an All-Star staple, is on piano. You still have Louis' fantastic vocal delivery and trumpet flourishes as well. The choir of course adds an angelic quality that puts these songs in a different light than Louis' straight "good ol' good ones" jazz recordings. There's romance here too, with "You're A Heavenly Thing", "When Did You Leave Heaven" and "I Married An Angel". Louis is right at home with these tunes."Louis And The Good Book" (1958) reads much sweeter, with his All-Stars there to back him up, Trummy Young, Billy Kyle, Barrett Deams and others. Again the Sy Oliver Choir makes their appearance known as well. These sessions have a much heavier feel with meaningful tunes such as "Nobody Knows The Trouble I've Seen" and "Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child", two subjects that Louis has dealt with his whole life. On the former, Louis' spoken introduction even makes an attempt to explain his choice to do this type of album. He tells of how there are times when you feel the need to look up. Funny, because as I listen I'm looking up at Louis right now and thanking him for yet another treasure."

A Godsend

cdozo | Austin, TX | 02/23/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Louis and the Good Book" is an incredibly wonderful album. Mr. Armstrong's singing and trumpet work is just fantastic and the piano work on Shadrack is just amazing. In addition, there is a sense of playfulness, in both the words and the music, that is a delight to hear. I haven't checked out "Louis and The Angels" yet, but it's worth getting this album for Louis and the Good Book alone."