Search - Louis Armstrong :: Complete Hot Five & Hot Seven Recordings 1

Beyond Essential

Keegan R. Lerch | Bethlehem, PA | 12/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Well, what can I say that hasn't already been said about this music? These recordings, along with the other two volumes in this set, firmly established jazz in the history of music. The art of the improviser as artist made its foothold in american music thanks to the cornet playing of Louis Armstrong.



The mix of blues, dixieland, and the New Orleans sound are all here and showcased by master musicians. Some of the highlights of this volume are "Gut Bucket Blues," Cornet Chop Suey," and "Heebie Jeebies." This music really pushed the envelope with its virtuosic playing and solidified the idiom of jazz as more than just a mish-mash of urban and folk music.



Just listen to Johnny Dodds, who set the bar for all those to follow, swing and sway on Clarinet. Armstrong's unmistakeable tone is ever present and his trademark vocals are a prime force. Don't be deterred by those who say these recordings are "scratchy," because the sound quality on this (and the accompanying volumes) is top-rate, and possibly improves (if only slightly) upon the previous editions. The recordings are from the 1920s, and the infancy of recording technology, so they aren't going to sound like a digital recording, but the hiss is barely noticeable after one or two listens anyway. The incredible musicianship on these recordings shines through and grabs the listener.



So, I recommend this (and the other two volumes) instead of other editions of the hot fives and hot sevens because of a) the great audio quality, b) the fact that all the hot fives are on the first volume (instead of being split up as in the prev. ed.), and c) it is in chronological order. This is of the utmost importance to any music lover, musician, music educator, or anyone else who has any interest in jazz whatsoever!



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