Big Band Recordings 1930-1932, The (Historic Recordings By The First Virtuoso Of Jazz) [Remastered] - Louis Armstrong

Advantages: Fantastic range of great tunes and songs
Disadvantages: None

...My late Father would have approved of this CD. For this, he would have said, was real Jazz. "Not like this modern rubbish!" My father's idea of real Jazz was music by the greats of the 1920 and 1930s. Jack Teagarden, for example. Mezz Mezzrow, was another of his heroes. And perhaps some of the early Louis Armstrong. Well, two out of three ain't bad. There's no Mezz Mezzrow on this CD, but there is plenty of Jack Teagarden and some early Louis Armstrong, too. There's also Lester Young and Artie Shaw, too. I have to agree with my dad. This rocks. Well, perhaps not rocks, but I think you know what I mean! Jack Teagarden's jazz is the ultimate in smoooooth jazz. Until he really wanted to become lively, then it was as if you were listening to an entirely different orchestra. The first two Jack Teagarden and his Orchestra tracks (So Many... Read review

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Advantages: Some really good tracks
Disadvantages: Some are "so-so"

...is also by Benny Goodman and his Quartet, which is a little slower and more really for dancing. Perhaps that was were the Savoy came in to the title? Benny Goodman and his Quartet next give us Moonglow, which starts with some sophisticated piano, which is soon joined by Goodman and the rest of his band. The style is somewhat muted. And, I suppose if you consider the jazz of the 1920s as being like bright sunlight, then, yes, I would guess that you could call this tune an example of Moonglow. Pretty, though not as bright as real jazz. Benny Goodman and his Quartet are featured again with a song called Body and Soul. Re Again, it is more "sophisticated" and is best described as lift music for the more discerning type of building. Louis Armstrong (thank God! We are back to some real jazz!) is next with I Want a Big Butter and Egg Man. Strange... Read review

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Advantages: Amazing contrast of voices,
Disadvantages: Some sonic quality is lost due to the age of the recording

...This CD is a brilliant stepping-stone into the Jazz world. The instantly recognisable voice of Louis Armstrong is familiarly heart warming, Louis stood next to the sensational Ella, make a fine pair. The strong vocals are supported by the excellent band, with great instrumental links keeping the listener on the edge of their seat. The intensity and coarseness of Mr. Armstrong's voice compels the audience to wish for the next scat solo or the next parade of incredible human talent that is Louis. Of course the same can be said of the sassy Ms. Fitzgerald who can sustain these high levels of aptitude. I recommend this CD to any budding music fan who wishes to broaden their Musical horizons! HAPPY LISTENING! BY, JAKE HEMMING... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful