Louis And The All Stars - The Best Of Louis Armstrong

Based on the title, you would probably assume that this is a collection of tunes culled from previously released albums.

Nope.

Well then in that case, these tunes must be the most popular and incredible songs Louis has ever laid to wax.

Not really.

I'm sure there was some marketing angle behind the naming of the album, but it is in all fact a regular session for Louis and his group.  While recording for television, Louis was offered the chance to record and took it.  He decided he wanted to put together a tribute to his mentor and jazz guru extraordinaire, King Oliver.  The tunes on this side are mostly from Oliver's book and date back to the 20's.  Considering the fact that the band didn't know most of these songs prior to recording, makes the album all the more amazing.  I can promise you that this is possibly the greatest cover of St. James Infirmary ever commited to record.  The rest of the album swings hard with a variety of moods and feels.

This LP is in excellent condition with some groove wear in the typical places ie; opening tracks on each side. The recording is of course wonderful and when the band is in full swing, the signal easily buries any noise.  Overall an enjoyable listen, I just wish it could have been pristine.  Louis' voice really soars out of the speakers, overtop the music and is truly a great listening experience.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!

Recorded in 1959 - Hollywood, CA

Louie And The Dukes Of Dixieland

Well, I felt it was time for a Basie break.  Up for your consideration today is easily one of my favorite Satch'mo sides.  For those of you who haven't heard this gem, I think the most striking aspect of this LP is the top notch fidelity.  Sidney Frey, the founder of Audio Fidelity, was actually one of the first labels (big or small) to be able to mass produce stereo LPs.  To say the least, this album is a wonderful example of a true stereo recording.

The Dukes Of Dixieland are also native sons of N'awlins, and favorites at that.  The band's core consists of the Assunto family.  Papa Jac, the family patriarch, played trombone but primarily banjo.  Pictured on the cover are brothers Fred (tb) and Frank (tp).  Early Dukes material that was released on the AF label is all excellent, high caliber jazz.

Louie And The Dukes is musically perfect when considering Dixieland jazz.  We are treated to a batch of classic tunes, given the full treatment by Louis and The Dukes.  Even songs as blah-zay as Sheik Of Araby is given a fresh and lively interpretation.  Not only do we get the great vocal stylings of Satch, but also 32 bar soloing from all of the front line.  It's all packaged in the wildly fun Dixie style - loose, free and inventive.  So sit back and enjoy a fun and wholehearted jazz album by some of jazzes greatest.  Luckily for you guys, I have more of The Dukes on Audio Fidelity - all near mint and musically incredible.  Ripped at 24/44.1 wav and dithered to 16/44.1 FLAC... enjoy!!!

Audio Fidelity AFSD-5924
1960

Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Frank Assunto (vocals, trumpet);

 "Papa" Jac Assunto (banjo, trombone); Fred Assunto (banjo); Jerry Fuller (clarinet); 

 Lowell Miller (tuba); Owen Mahoney (drums)