Search - Louis Armstrong :: Louis Armstrong - Greatest Hits

Louis sold these songs without even trying

Matthew G. Sherwin | last seen screaming at Amazon customer service | 03/30/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Louis Armstrong - Greatest Hits put out by RCA Victor gives us a solid assortment of numbers by the immortal Louis Armstrong. The sound quality is really rather good; and the artwork is excellent.



The track set opens with "Sugar" performed by Louis Armstrong & His Hot Seven band. The quality of the sound surprises me considering the age of the recording. Louis sings this to perfection and beyond; and his buddies play so well. I think "Sugar" makes a great starting track for this album. "St. Louis Blues" does have a bit of surface noise; but it doesn't interfere with the sound of the music. Louis wails out great and this number really jams! The trumpet playing Louis adds to "St. Louis Blues" really impresses me--but, then again, was there ever a time when Louis Armstrong disappointed anyone?



"I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues" features some more great singing by the great Louis Armstrong; and the melody is beautiful. The brass enhances the number so well; and this number holds its own effortlessly. "I Gotta Right To Sing The Blues" is definitely a highlight of this CD. Listen also for "Ain't Misbehavin';" this W.C. Handy number sparkles like gold when Louis and his buddies perform this flawlessly. Together Louis and his band bat "Ain't Misbehavin'" straight out of the ballpark! It's an awesome number that I always liked because it's so playful.



"Mood Indigo" is a more recent recording that features Louis squarely in the spotlight--and this comes off without a hitch! There's a beautiful arrangement for the flute that rounds out the musical arrangement very nicely. I love how Louis sings those lyrics for "Mood Indigo."



"My One And Only Love" again places Louis in the spotlight; and the lush musical arrangement works wonders for this ballad. Louis delivers this love song with panache and it's a very memorable tune. The CD also ends very nicely with Louis on "What A Wonderful World." This rendition of "What a Wonderful World" has a spoken introduction; and this ballad was easily a huge hit for Louis in the later years of his career. It's a very sweet, optimistic ballad; and it leaves you wanting more. Don't be surprised if you find yourself pushing the "play" button on your CD player to listen to this one all over again!



Louis Armstrong fans will appreciate this album without any doubt; and people who like classic jazz vocals and even classic pop vocals will love this CD, too.

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