Search - Louis Armstrong :: 1923-31: Great Orig Performances

Louis Armstrong At The Height Of His Genius

The Listener | Carmel, NY USA | 08/30/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Armstrong's records of this period are his finest, and show him at the height of his powers. Here are the sides in which he single-handedly defined what jazz was to be, a soloist's art of great depth and complexity. His playing here is unsurpassed among jazz soloists, with a constant flow of great melodic and rhythmic ideas supported by brilliant trumpet technique. His tone is full and golden, "thicker" and richer than that of other trumpeters, then and now. The expressive way in which he twists and smears notes often makes the instrument sound like a voice. These records inspired two generations of jazz musicians and literally formed the art. The heights reached here were scaled by only one other jazz artist, Charlie Parker, and were never equalled by Louis himself in his later work. Miles Davis once said the history of jazz could be told in four words: 'Louis Armstrong Charlie Parker'. Here is why."

I closed the office down and started stompin' on the tables!

Miniaturist.Com | 01/27/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"These are 24 great tracks, from Louis Mouth Armstrong, purveyor of special cigars (see #24- Lonesome Road- "Reverend Armstrong, you're killing me!"). No man should be allowed to lick his instrument, but Louis shows a close touch here. "Muggles" (#19)soars the spirit with its great leaps in a brief three minutes. Who needs Kierkegard? Get ME a trumpet: I want to play THAT!"