Satch Plays Fats: Louis Armstrong's Tribute to Fats Waller
In 1955, jazz legend Louis Armstrong released Satch Plays Fats: A Tribute to the Immortal Fats Waller, a vibrant celebration of the compositions of Fats Waller. Released by Columbia Records, the album was designed as part of a planned series of "Plays" albums, though financial constraints eventually halted the project. Alongside Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy, this record signaled a significant commercial and popular comeback for Armstrong.
The album resonated strongly with audiences of the era, peaking at No. 10 on the Billboard Popular Albums chart. It stands as a testament to the enduring chemistry between Armstrong's virtuosic trumpet and the playful, rhythmic structures of Waller's songwriting.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบ
Key Facts
- Artist: Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars
- Release Year: 1955
- Label: Columbia
- Producer: George Avakian
- Chart Peak: No. 10 (Billboard Popular Albums)
- Primary Subject: A tribute to the works of Fats Waller
Production and Musical Direction
Recorded in April and May 1955, the album features songs primarily written by Fats Waller and Andy Razaf. While Armstrong and Waller had collaborated as early as 1925 under bandleader Erskine Tate, this album served as a posthumous homage to Waller's genius.
Armstrong was supported by his renowned All-Stars ensemble, which consisted of:
- Billy Kyle (Piano)
- Barney Bigard (Clarinet)
- Trummy Young (Trombone)
- Arvell Shaw (Bass)
- Barrett Deems (Drums)
The recording sessions were marked by spontaneity and artistic choices. For instance, the track "Ain't Misbehavin'" was captured in a single take, and the scatting duet between Armstrong and Trummy Young on "I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby and My Baby's Crazy 'Bout Me" was entirely improvised. The album also features vocalist Velma Middleton, who performs a duet with Armstrong on "All That Meat and No Potatoes" and appears on several other tracks.
Notably, the version of "(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue" omits the first verse and the tuba and banjo found in earlier versions, a choice that The Village Voice described as maintaining the song's status as an early protest anthem.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Satch Plays Fats received widespread acclaim. The New York Times praised it as reaching one of the "higher points" of jazz, even suggesting it surpassed the Handy disk. Other critics highlighted Armstrong's unique vocal delivery, with the Richmond Times-Dispatch noting his unmatched "gravelled-voice touch," and the Cincinnati Enquirer praising the "jollity and bounce" he brought to the music.
Later retrospectives have remained positive. In 2001, The Village Voice remarked that the album revealed a deepening sense of swing that had been absorbed by Armstrong's musicians. The album's influence also extended into literature; the protagonist of Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man contemplates a 1920s recording of "Black and Blue," a track included in the 2000 reissue of the album.
Over time, the album has seen various reissues. The 1987 Columbia Jazz Masterpieces edition utilized previously unreleased master recordings for six tracks, while the 2000 reissue incorporated original 1920s and 1930s recordings of the featured songs.
Album Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Genre | Jazz |
| Recording Dates | April and May 1955 |
| Key Collaborators | The All-Stars, Velma Middleton |
| Notable Tracks | "Ain't Misbehavin'", "Black and Blue", "Honeysuckle Rose" |
| Chart Performance | #10 US Billboard Popular Albums |
Track Listing
Side 1
- Honeysuckle Rose
- Blue Turning Grey Over You
- I'm Crazy 'Bout My Baby and My Baby's Crazy 'Bout Me
- Squeeze Me
- Keepin' Out of Mischief Now
Side 2
- All That Meat and No Potatoes
- I've Got a Feeling I'm Falling
- (What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue
- Ain't Misbehavin'
Frequently Asked Questions
Was this album part of a larger series?
Yes, it was intended to be part of a series of "Plays" albums, though the series was cut short due to financial issues.
Who were the musicians accompanying Louis Armstrong?
Armstrong was backed by his All-Stars, featuring Billy Kyle on piano, Barney Bigard on clarinet, Trummy Young on trombone, Arvell Shaw on bass, and Barrett Deems on drums.
How did the album perform commercially?
The album was a commercial success, reaching number 10 on the US Billboard Popular Albums chart in 1955.
What is unique about the recording of "Ain't Misbehavin'"?
The version of "Ain't Misbehavin'" featured on the album was captured in just one take.
Are there different versions of this album available?
Yes, a 1987 reissue used previously unreleased master recordings for six tracks, and a 2000 reissue included recordings of the songs from the 1920s and 1930s.