Satchmo in Style: A Look at Louis Armstrong's 1959 Studio Album
Released on May 14, 1959, Satchmo in Style is a studio album by the legendary jazz musician Louis Armstrong. While the album arrived in the late 1950s, the recordings that comprise the collection were captured over a five-year period between 1949 and 1954. Arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins, the album presents a specific stylistic approach to Armstrong's music, blending his iconic vocals and trumpet work with orchestral elements.
The album was released under the Decca label and produced by Milt Gabler. It sits within Armstrong's chronology between the 1958 release of Porgy and Bess and the 1960 collaboration Bing & Satchmo.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Artist: Louis Armstrong
- Release Date: May 14, 1959
- Recording Period: 1949–1954
- Genre: Jazz
- Total Length: 56 minutes and 27 seconds
- Label: Decca
- Arranger: Gordon Jenkins
Musical Composition and Personnel
The album features a wide array of musicians providing a rich, orchestral backdrop. While Louis Armstrong leads on trumpet and vocals, the ensemble includes a variety of woodwinds, brass, and rhythm sections. Notable contributors include Velma Middleton, who provides vocals on specific tracks, and a rotating cast of session musicians on piano, double bass, drums, and guitar.
Production Credits
The production was overseen by Milt Gabler, with Gordon Jenkins handling the arrangements. The technical side of the release involved several specialists, including Kevin Reeves for mastering and Ben Young as the reissue producer.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Producer | Milt Gabler |
| Arranger/Conductor | Gordon Jenkins |
| Primary Artist | Louis Armstrong |
| Recording Years | 1949–1954 |
| Release Year | 1959 |
Track Listing
The album consists of 16 tracks, featuring a mix of standards and traditional pieces. The tracklist includes:
- Blueberry Hill
- It's All In the Game
- Jeannine (I Dream of Lilac Time)
- Chloe
- Indian Love Call
- Listen to the Mocking Bird
- That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)
- The Whiffenpoof Song (Baa! Baa! Baa!)
- Trees
- Bye and Bye
- Spooks!
- When It's Sleepy Time Down South (including an alternative lyrics version)
- You're Just in Love (featuring Velma Middleton)
- If
- I Want a Big Butter and Eggman
Critical Reception
The reception of Satchmo in Style has been mixed among critics. Ken Dryden of AllMusic awarded the album two stars, noting that the jazz content is minimal. Dryden criticized the "dated charts" and the use of a choir on more than half of the tracks, describing them as "nauseating." He further suggested that the strings were overbearing and did not age as well as Armstrong's performance.
Despite these criticisms, Dryden praised Armstrong's warm vocals and the potency of his trumpet playing, even though the instrument is not featured extensively. Specifically, the duet with Velma Middleton on "You're Just In Love" and the track "I Want a Butter and Eggman" were highlighted as positive points of the album.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Satchmo in Style released?
The album was released on May 14, 1959.
Who arranged the music for this album?
The music was arranged and conducted by Gordon Jenkins.
When were the songs on the album actually recorded?
Although released in 1959, the tracks were recorded between 1949 and 1954.
Which tracks received positive mentions in the AllMusic review?
Ken Dryden of AllMusic praised "You're Just In Love" (a duet with Velma Middleton) and "I Want a Butter and Eggman."
What was the primary criticism of the album's production?
Critics, specifically from AllMusic, felt the jazz content was minimal and that the choir and string arrangements were overbearing and dated.