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Louis made his first recordings in 1923 and his last recordings in 1971. Altogether he made thousands of recordings, and most of them have been issued and reissued many times. These are some of my favorites, all of them available at CDNOW.
Most critics appear to always recommend the earlier Louis records, and I must agree. The 'Hot Five and Hot Seven' recordings are Jazz classics, and are a must have for any serious collection of Louis or Jazz discs. My advice would be to get the 4-CD set. Not all of the Hot Five and Sevens CDs are created equal, however. I think the best is the JSP Import set from England the remastered sound is fabulous and by far, the best sound quality. John R. T. Davies, sound technician and musician, is the best remasterer of old recordings, and he's done a beautiful job here
A great introductory CD & a "must have" is Louis plays W C Handy There are some newly released practice sessions at the end of that CD & the quality of Louis' playing even when he is not recording is magic.
Another recording of equal quality and content is 'Satch plays Fats'. This album also has the same All Star band as the W C Handy work.
For good listening of Louis' early years as a sideman and first recordings as a leader, you should check out: Louis Armstrong: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man 1923-1934 . (Columbia/Legacy 57176) (Four CD set)
Louis Armstrong with his All-Stars began at the Town Hall Concert in 1947. This is truly a great chance to purchase a recording of this historical event. 'Louis Armstrong at Town Hall' the complete recordings on sale now for only $13.98, that's a real deal.
From the All-Stars era, I also recommend 'Satchmo at Symphony Hall' from 1947.
Certainly the most requested Louis album is the "What A Wonderful World" Disc. My suggestion for those looking for this CD is this reissue of What A Wonderful World, however, for a few dollars more one can get the Gold reissue, although I have a hard time distinguishing a difference in quality.
There are many collections now availlable. Any later collection of Louis' recordings will be a great. The problem you will find when deciding what Louis music to buy is that each collection has different versions of standard material e.g. 'When the Saints Go Marching In', and its better on one collection than on another. There is only one solution to this problem, buy everything you can get your hands on as there is magic in everything Louis played. For a full listing of the Louis recordings offered by CDNOW click on the icon
YOU MAY SEARCH THE CDNOW SITE FOR RECORDINGS BY LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND OTHER ARTIST HERE
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