Search - Louis Armstrong, W.C. Handy :: Plays W.C. Handy

Plays W.C. Handy
Louis Armstrong, W.C. Handy
Plays W.C. Handy
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (16) - Disc #1

A wonderful meeting of two institutions of American music, this 1954 album was the finest recording of Louis Armstrong's later career, with the great trumpeter-singer turning to material that was very close to his roots. B...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: Louis Armstrong, W.C. Handy
Title: Plays W.C. Handy
Members Wishing: 3
Total Copies: 0
Label: Sony
Release Date: 3/25/1997
Album Type: Original recording remastered
Genres: Jazz, Pop, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: New Orleans Jazz, Traditional Jazz & Ragtime, Vocal Jazz, Dixieland, Vocal Pop, Classic Vocalists, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 074646492529

Synopsis

Amazon.com essential recording
A wonderful meeting of two institutions of American music, this 1954 album was the finest recording of Louis Armstrong's later career, with the great trumpeter-singer turning to material that was very close to his roots. Both W.C. Handy and Armstrong had a complex relationship with the blues, an essential source for both Handy's popular songs and Armstrong's improvisational art, and these recordings touch on the heart of the matter. On "Yellow Dog Blues," a product of Handy's own early and chance encounter with the rural blues, there's a majesty that recalls Armstrong's early recordings with Bessie Smith. Armstrong is clearly inspired by the classic material and the chance to stretch out on record, and his regular band of the period joins in perfectly. Trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Billy Kyle, and singer Velma Middleton contribute stellar solos and support, while bassist Arvell Shaw and drummer Barrett Deems do an exceptional job of keeping the slower tempos rock steady. This is a deeply moving and consummately executed performance. --Stuart Broomer

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CD Reviews

A "Must Have" for Lovers of Satchmo, Blues, or Jazz!!
Mark R. Lewis | So. Thomaston, ME United States | 04/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Given the fact that WC Handy and Satch had parallel careers and Handy's compositions and Pops' magic are a natural combination, that alone makes this a "no-brainer" for anyone looking for great jazz. But in this particular package, there are several alternative takes as well as rehearsal "patter" that gives the listener a glimpse into what a Satchmo record date was like, as well as what a craftsman he was in his art! The "Alligator Story" is worth the price of the CD itself!! Listening to this disc deepened my love for the man and his music if that was even possible. This is a must have for the novice listener as well as the seasoned fan. Go ahead...."Place in Cart"....you'll be glad you did!"
Swingin' and Fun
Mark Schlesinger | Columbus, OH | 10/27/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)

"Swingin' and fun--this is probably Satchmo's finest hour. In the presence of the (elderly and blind) Father of the Blues, the trumpet master exemplifies both the deep feeling and the joy of these magical tunes. Check out "Aunt Hagar's Blues" and especially both versions of "Long Gone"! But make sure you get THIS version, cause the older CD has bastardized renditions replacing some of the original 50's masters, which had been lost. Columbia did a great job in reconstructing the original sound this time, while adding some real nice bonus material from the sessions, which capture the spirit of the day. Very highly recommended for all jazz fans or anyone who loves great music! I seldom give 5 stars-this deserves at least 6!"
How good is this record...?
Benji | Hawaii | 04/23/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)

"How good is this CD?



I've had to buy this CD on 3 separate occasions...that's how good it is...the first 2 times I stupidly lent them out to friends who never returned it...it's money well-spent though...this is Louis at his most bluesy, and his wonderful sandpaper vocals are the perfect complement to Velma Middleton's velvety voice...some of the best music ever committed to record"