LOUIS ARMSTRONG – SATCHMO PLAYS KING OLIVER 180g Vinyl, LP – AAPJ 5930

LOUIS ARMSTRONG – SATCHMO PLAYS KING OLIVER 180g Vinyl, LP – AAPJ 5930

‘Satchmo Plays King Oliver’ is Armstrong’s tribute to the man who helped shape his trumpet style in New Orleans and whose invitation to join his “Creole Jazz Band” in Chicago brought him into the limelight – Joe Oliver.

This all-star album is full of great gems. The songs are either written or played by King Oliver. St James Infirmary’ is played at an incredibly slow tempo and when Armstrong repeats the main theme at the end, the effect is breathtaking. Louis sings an enchanting version of ‘Frankie And Johnny’, accompanied only by an old-time honky-tonk piano. Jelly Roll Blues’ is a beautiful version of Jelly Roll Morton’s classic. Chimes Blues’ is a deep and bluesy return to the tune first recorded by Oliver and Armstrong in 1923. The re-release on Analogue Productions was mastered by Bernie Grundman.

1. St. James Infirmary (Gambler’s Blues)

2. I Want A Big Butter & Egg Man

3. I Ain’t Got Nobody

4. Panama

5. Dr. Jazz

6. Hot Time In The Old Town Tonight

7. Frankie And Johnny

8. I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None Of This Jelly Roll

9. Drop That Sack

10. Jelly Roll Blues

11. Old Kentucky Home

12. Chimes Blues