By Jeff Know, Audiophile Audition
Evaluating the later period discography of Louis Armstrong is a daunting task. Armstrong, known affectionately as “Satchmo” or “Pops,” had a career spanning from the mid 1920s, until his death in 1971. His studio recordings in the ’20s with his Hot Five and Hot Seven aggregations set the standard for that time period. Both his baritone vocals, and blistering trumpet playing and improvisations, inspired jazz musicians-especially trumpeters that lead into the Swing period. Louis outlasted the bop onslaught of the late 40s and early 50s. He had his own Orchestra that lasted till the late 40s, but a full big band was never his forte. His favorite grouping included Barney Bigard on clarinet, and Trummy Young on trombone. That group was titled Louis Armstrong and the All-Stars. Pianists, bass players, and drummers varied by session. Read more here.