Louis Armstrong Plays W. C. Handy
In the mid-1950s, jazz legend Louis Armstrong collaborated with his ensemble, His All Stars, to pay tribute to one of the most influential composers in American music history. The resulting studio album, Louis Armstrong Plays W. C. Handy, stands as a definitive exploration of the blues and early jazz traditions.
Released in 1954 by Columbia, the album is widely regarded by critics as a pinnacle of Armstrong's work during this decade. Allmusic describes it as "Louis Armstrong's finest record of the 1950s" and considers it essential listening for any serious jazz collector.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Artist: Louis Armstrong and His All Stars
- Release Year: 1954
- Recording Dates: July 12–14, 1954
- Genre: Jazz
- Label: Columbia
- Total Length: 76 minutes and 37 seconds
- Producer: George Avakian
Production and Release History
The album was produced by George Avakian, who handled the engineering and liner notes. The recording captures the synergy of the All Stars, featuring a blend of trumpet, trombone, clarinet, piano, double bass, and drums.
The album's distribution history is notable for its variations. While the original 1954 release was a cohesive tribute, a 1986 CD release by Columbia significantly altered the tracklist, replacing several original songs with alternative versions. This was eventually corrected in a 1997 re-issue, which restored the original sequence and added valuable bonus material.
The 1997 restoration included a brief interview between producer George Avakian and W. C. Handy, a joke told by Armstrong, and several rehearsal sequences that provide a glimpse into the creative process of the ensemble.
Musical Personnel
The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, blending instrumental mastery with vocal performances:
- Louis Armstrong: Trumpet and vocals
- Velma Middleton: Vocals
- Trummy Young: Trombone
- Barney Bigard: Clarinet
- Billy Kyle: Piano
- Arvell Shaw: Double bass
- Barrett Deems: Drums
Track Listing and Composition
| Side | Track Title | Featured Vocals | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Louis Blues | Velma Middleton | 8:50 |
| 1 | Yellow Dog Blues | - | 4:16 |
| 1 | Loveless Love | Velma Middleton | 4:28 |
| 1 | Aunt Hagar's Blues | - | 4:57 |
| 1 | Long Gone (From The Bowlin' Green) | Velma Middleton | 5:08 |
| 2 | The Memphis Blues (Or Mister Crump) | - | 2:59 |
| 2 | Beale Street Blues | - | 4:56 |
| 2 | Ole Miss Blues | - | 3:25 |
| 2 | Chantez Les Bas (Sing 'Em Low) | - | 4:48 |
| 2 | Hesitating Blues | Velma Middleton | 5:20 |
| 2 | Atlanta Blues | - | 4:33 |
Bonus Content (1997 Re-issue)
The 1997 edition expanded the experience with the following additions:
- An interview with W. C. Handy (2:44)
- Rehearsal sequences for "Loveless Love," "Hesitating Blues," and "Long Gone (From The Bowlin' Green)"
- A short comedic piece titled "Alligator Story" (0:47)
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is W. C. Handy?
W. C. Handy was the composer whose works are featured throughout the album; he is often associated with the formalization of the blues.
Which version of the album is the most accurate?
The 1997 re-issue is the most accurate version, as it restored the original 1954 tracklist after the 1986 CD release had altered it.
What is the critical reception of the album?
The album is highly praised, receiving an "A" rating from Tom Hull and being described by Allmusic as essential music for serious jazz collections.
Who provided the vocals alongside Louis Armstrong?
Velma Middleton provided vocals on several tracks, including "St. Louis Blues" and "Hesitating Blues."
Who produced the recording?
The album was produced by George Avakian, who also served as the engineer and wrote the liner notes.