Armstrong at his best
Docendo Discimus | Vita scholae | 03/17/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Okay, so the sound quality isn't 21st century state-of-the-art, but come on! It's not that bad, and considering that this concert was recorded in 1947 it's not bad at all, actually.
This disc really shows what a seminal figure Louis Armstrong was. Much, much more than just a happy-go-lucky black man who growled "What A Wonderful World" in a gravelly bass-baritone, he was and still remains the most important figure in jazz music, and even the most casual listener should appreciate this magnificent performance.
Surrounded by the first incarnation of his legendary "All Stars", Armstrong plays definitive versions of "Ain't Misbehavin" and "Back O'Town Blues", a fantastic "Dear Old Southland" backed only by the rhythm section, and a driving "Tiger Rag".
But there are only highlights here, really, and Armstrong's solos are pure liquid fire all the way through.
At once highly accessible and utterly magical, "The Complete Town Hall Concert" is Louis Armstrong at his best. Not to be missed!"