Search - Louis Armstrong :: Definitive Collection

Satchmo's second career

Annie Van Auken | Planet Earth | 03/02/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The songs on LOUIS ARMSTRONG * THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION generally follow a regression from 1968 to 1938. The album's liner notes conversely provide details of Armstrong's most influential years: the mid-Twenties until his lip broke, while touring Europe in the early 1930s. The writer glows about Satchmo's influence on ALL subsequent musicians and vocalists, from Benny Goodman to the Rolling Stones! Truly a hyperbolic overview.



But the music is what matters most. Armstrong adapted to the realities of losing his superhuman playing abilities by developing a more expressive style, and by concentrating on vocalization. This album documents well that second phase of his performing career. Source material is drawn from all major labels: DECCA, COLUMBIA, VICTOR, ABC-PARAMOUNT, KAPP and VERVE. Transfer quality is excellent. This collection is particularly recommended for newcomers to the music of Louis Armstrong.



TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 75:39"

Pop star Satchmo

Nikica Gilic | Zagreb, Croatia | 10/04/2007

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Naturally, if you are one of the vast numbers of Satchmo's pop followers, you'll find everything you need on this volume ("What a Wonderful World", "Cabaret", "Hello Dolly", "Blueberry Hill"...), but if you're more of a jazz fan and you buy this album, well...

As old Pops would put it - someday you'll be sorry...



Strictly for jazz beginners and pop fans; there's nothing definitive or essential abotu this album, although this is far from being bad music..."

An okay compilation, but certainly not deserving of the titl

Johnny Boy | Hockessin, DE | 12/25/2009

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Louis Armstrong's recording career spanned five decades and 47 years. 1923 to 1970, Louis recorded albums and singles regularly. As of December 25, 2009, the only collection that has come close to summarizing all of his recordings is the 'Ken Burns JAZZ' collection, with 25 recordings. But that still doesn't do him justice.



So, in 2006, Hip-O Records (owned by the Universal Music Group, or UMG) decided to release the millionth-and-one Armstrong collection. The title was 'The Definitive Collection.' It looks like a nice set, judging by the packaging. There's Satchmo on the cover, with his signature trumpet. And to it's defense, the packaging is incredible. Good liner notes, good information about the tracks. Hip-O did outstanding in that regard.



But other than that, this is a pretty awful collection. A low point in the normally-outstanding 'The Definitive Collection' series.



First of all, while most of the music here is great, it is by no means a 'definitive collection.' To be truly definitive, you need his Hot Fives and Sevens from the 1925-1928 period, his recordings with Earl Hines from 1928-1930, his RCA victor period from 1933-1934 and again from 1945-1947. And while we're on the topic, why not include his early 1923 recordings with King Oliver? In order for it to be definitive, these recordings are absolutely necessary.



What that leaves are his Decca and Verve recordings. 'Struttin' With Some Barbecue' is here, albeit in it's 1938 remake of his recording ten years prior, but still in a smoking version nonetheless.



But all that's left now is the "easy listening" Louis. That means, 'What a Wonderful World,' 'Hello Dolly,' 'Blueberry Hill,' 'A Kiss to Build a Dream On,' etc. And while those are quite nice recordings and are definitive, they are just not enough for a compilation titled 'The Definitive Collection.'



A more appropriate title would be 'Louis Armstrong - The Definitive Decca/Verve Collection.' Because that's in retrospect what this is. It's not truly definitive. In my honest opinion, there is yet to be a truly "definitive" Louis Armstrong collection, and I doubt there ever will be. You'd need at least 12 CDs to do so.



Recommended for the latter day Louis Armstrong fan."