Louis Armstrong - Louis Armstrong: Ken Burns JAZZ (The Definitive)

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Music reviews of Louis Armstrong: Ken Burns JAZZ (The Definitive)

Music Review: A Stunning Compilation
Rating: 5 Stars

Chimes Blues - delightfully simple tune that shows how Satchmo was a master at phrasing (he transforms a simple solo into a work of genius just by the way he expresses each note). Ken Burns appropriately introduced Louis by putting this very old tune from King Oliver's Band first.

Cake Walkin' Babies (from home) - Louis transforms another simple tune into a masterpiece with his brilliant expressional ability. It is simply a stunning experience to listen the fiery solos of Louis's trumpet and Sidney Bechet's soprano saxophone.

Heebie Jeebies - Strictly New Orleans tune that is historically significant containing the first recorded improvised vocal solo of Louis. The solos are entertaining, but in my opinion this is not one of the best Hot Fives and Sevens recordings. However, its historical significance and element of brilliance more than justify Ken Burns's placement of this tune in the compilation.

Potato Head Blues - My favorite jazz tune of all time

West End Blues - A great tribute to Satchmo's talent. The introduction to this tune is very difficult and was not successfully copied for a long time after Louis made this recording. The rest of the tune follows suit as Louis builds impressive statements that logically follow eachother with his instrument.

Tight Like This - If i had any quarrels with Ken Burns for his compilation, it would have to be with this tune. It is pretty good and I do enjoy it, but there are better recordings that could have taken its place.

Mahogany Hall Stomp - Another nice tune that shows how Louis could flawlessly weave around a melody chorus after chorus.

Ain't Misbehavin - A rather startling introduction to Louis's unrivaled ability to sing expressively. Satchmo gives new meaning to yet another tune.

Black and Blue - Again, Louis shows his musical fervor in this beautiful tune.

St. Louis Blues - Louis displays how he is the epitome of conservative playing on this piece where his relatively simple solos reach a state of divinity through perfect phrasing.

When It's Sleepy Time Down South - Another pleasant tune imbued with Louis's singing.

Blue Again - This tune was recorded right before Louis's trumpet ability began its unfortunate atrophy that would give way to his singing. However, "Blue Again" almost justifies this transition from trumpet to voice by showing how Louis had as much control over words as he did over trumpet notes.

Lazy River - I think you are starting to get the point by now... Louis by this time could effortlessly imbue a sung chorus with unrivaled zeal, phrasing, and expression. His mastery of time is especially evident in "Lazy River".

Star Dust - An unbelievable performance, my second favorite tune on this cd after Potato Head Blues.

Shadrack - Louis sings with a what sounds like a church choir. Interesting and pleasant, even though it isn't really jazz.

I Double Dare You - Nice tune.

When The Saints go Marching in - The best version of When the Saints go Marching In i have ever heard. It is mind boggling how Louis can turn an old and (lets face it) boring tune into a new and invigorating masterpiece.

Marie - Nice blend of Louis and two other great singers.

Rockin' Chair, Blueberry Hill, Mack the Knife, A Fine Romance, Hello Dolly, What a Wonderful World - I know it may seem ignorant for me to put all these tunes in the same category, but they really are ... all in the same category. They are all ballad-like songs in which Louis expresses his musical ability with his voice. What a Wonderful World steels the prize here, but they are all fine performances. If you bought these CDs just for Louis's later singing, then these will satisfy you. If you bought it for Louis's jazz trumpet, these will still be enjoyable. To this day i still believe that the unbridled genius of Louis Armstrong is shown in Potato Head Blues rather than What a Wonderful World. Either way, Ken Burn's Louis Armstrong CD is a perfect introduction to Satchmo. If you wonder why he hasn't included your favorite Armstrong tune, keep in mind that Armstrong made hundreds of exceptional recordings (and more unexceptional ones). It must have been torturous to throw out classics like "Struttin' With Some Barbecue Sauce", but such things are inevitable when trying to make a one CD compilation of Louis's work. You can not explain history in a page.

Description of Louis Armstrong: Ken Burns JAZZ (The Definitive)

Broadway & Vocalists CDs

• Music > Styles
• Jazz
• Pop