Louis Armstrong - The Complete Town Hall Concert (1947) [2014 Japan Jazz Collection 1000]

One of the key turning points of Louis Armstrong's career occurred at the Town Hall concert fully documented on this two-CD set, a reissue of the earlier two-LP release. Armstrong, who had been leading a big band for 18 years, was showcased with some musical friends who were all very complementary players (including trombonist Jack Teagarden, clarinetist Peanuts Hucko and cornetist Bobby Hackett), and the results were so exciting that Armstrong soon broke up his orchestra to form a similar all-star sextet.

The recording quality of some of the numbers from this concert is erratic but the magic of the music definitely comes through. Highlights include a few tunes on which Louis is backed by just a rhythm section (including "Cornet Chop Suey" and an emotional "Dear Old Southland"), definitive versions of "Ain't Misbehavin" and "Back O'Town Blues" and a memorable feature for Jack Teagarden on "St. James Infirmary." Recommended for all Louis Armstrong fans who wish to hear the real birth of his All-Stars.


Tracks:

CD1
01 - Introduction by Fred Robbins
02 - Cornet Chop Suey
03 - Our Monday Date
04 - Dear Old Southland
05 - Big Butter And Egg Man
06 - Tiger Rag
07 - Struttin' With Some Barbecue
08 - Sweethearts On Parade
09 - Saint Louis Blues
10 - Pennies From Heaven
11 - On The Sunny Side Of The Street

CD2
01 - I Can't Give You Anything But Love
02 - Back O'Town Blues
03 - Ain't Misbehavin'
04 - Rockin' Chair
05 - Muskrat Ramble
06 - Save It, Pretty Mama
07 - Saint James Infirmary
08 - Royal Garden Blues
09 - Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans
10 - Jack - Armstrong Blues

Personnel:

Louis Armstrong - trumpet, vocal
Jack Teagarden - trombone, vocal
Bobby Hackett - trumpet
Peanuts Hucko - clarinet, tenor saxophone
Dick Cary - piano
Bob Haggart - bass
George Wettling - drums
Sidney Catlett - drums