The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions (1935-46)

http://www.mosaicrecords.com presents The year was 1935. Louis Armstrong had recently exhausted his immediate performing opportunities in front of European jazz audiences, having done the circuit and slayed 'em all. Years earlier, he had become the one individual identified with establishing a new way to play hot music - as a soloist, using improvisation to express personal style and unique musical ideasbut he was in a rut.

That year, his life changed in a few significant ways. He re-established ties with Joe Glaser, a former Chicago club manager and he signed with Decca Records, a new company looking to make records fast that could be sold inexpensively and turned into hits. Louis loved all kinds of music and was more than willing to oblige. Refreshed and invigorated, Louis made the biggest change of all - he started making the most popular music of his life; the records that would turn him into an international sensation.

This is the first-ever major retrospective of this period. For the most part, the recordings represent Louis leading the big band. Never had Louis sounded more secure, more hip, or more like a star. His example was an important beacon that popular standards were a legitimate repertoire for significant jazz stylists.

Jump into this treasury and land in a nice, warm bath of Louis' joy. Armstrong, who struggled with lip problems on and off through his career, entered this phase after a significant layoff. Healthy and hearty, his performances as trumpeter and vocalist are first rate. The big band performances feature Louis' inimitable approach to many melodies that were soon to become well-known; small-group sessions with Bunny Berigan as a sideman; a 1936 date with Jimmy Dorsey and his Orchestra; the rare 12" medley of hits from "Pennies From Heaven" with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Bing Crosby and Frances Langford; the "Elder Eatmore" sermon session; a reunion with Sidney Bechet and Zutty Singleton; and a slew of great sidemen like Sid Catlett, Dexter Gordon, J.C. Higginbotham, Red Allen and many more.

Some of the performances are among the most significant of his life and a lasting gift to music - there isn't a trumpeter since who hasn't marveled at the brilliance of his tone, coherence of his soloing, and perfection of his execution on the 1938 "Struttin' With Some Barbecue." It is, plain and simple, a flawless record.

For this release, we went back to the original sources - Decca's metal parts and lacquer discs - and lovingly restored and remastered everything to Mosaic's exacting standards. Our seven-CD set delivers 166 tracks, including rare alternate sides. The collection includes our exclusive booklet with a number of rarely-seen session photographs; an essay by noted jazz historian Dan Morgenstern; a complete, corrected discography of the sessions clearing up a number of published errors; and all seven CDs, beautifully packaged in our distinctive Mosaic box.

Video: Bret Primack

Category:

Music

Tags:

• mosaic records
• louis armstrong
• dan morgenstern
• trumpet
• jazz
• Decca

[SatchmoSings]

@ToddCMorgan2 I have to agree with you; as superb as this set is from "Mosaic" Armstrong on Decca as a "pop" star is the one portion of his career that I generally skip over.

Yes, there are some gems in there, of course but largely I have to agree with you; my interest in Armstrong then picks up again after his contract with Decca ends.

I am temporarily down financially; if I weren't, as an Armstrong fan, I'd still buy this set just to have it and yes, there are some good ones.

[ToddCMorgan2]

I like Louis' Decca output fine, but his earlier Okeh/Columbia recordings(1925-1932) and even his Victor recordings(1932-1933) were, in my opinion, much more dynamic, energetic and groundbreaking!!!

[nicmart]

I know that Mr. Morgenstern is well-intended and intends no disrespect to Louis Armstrong, but Louis was emphatic in correcting those who didn't call him "Lewissss." One biographer quotes Louis as saying that the Whites called him "Lewee." It doesn't matter a lot, but it did matter to Louis a bit. Armstrong Lives!

[cashchecks]

Dan Morgenstern always loved Louis. Great clip. Thank you for posting.

[fillra]

Very interesting stuff about the genius that is Louis Armstrong.