Customer Reviews

20th Century Masters: The Best Of Louis Armstrong (Millennium Collection)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

10 songs...less than 40 minutes running time...precious little trumpet playing and a handful of major hits. If you only wanted "Hello Dolly" and "What A Wonderful World" on the same disc, here they are, cheap (in all senses of that word). If you buy this, don't settle for it as anything near a definitive statement on this legendary performer. EVERY other anthology collection on any label Louis Armstrong recorded for (even the expanded Greatest Hits on MCA) shows his artistry better.

The first time I heard Louis Armstrong's music was in the movie "The Five Pennies." I was watching it at home on a black-and-white TV set with my stepfather and when I heard Armstrong's trumpet playing I found myself paying closer attention to the Danny Kaye movie. Ever since then, when I hear the great "Satchmo," I smile and remember that first moment when I discovered my love of his jazz music.

The Best of Louis Armstrong, part of MCA's 20th Century Masters series, has a playing time of less than 30 minutes, yet its 10 memorable songs are captivating and hold me in their enchantment. Although I like all 10 songs, I'm particularly fond of "What a Wonderful World," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "Blueberry Hill," "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," and especially the funny duet with Bing Crosby, "Gone Fishin'." The first four always put me in a romantic mindset, while "Gone Fishin' " brings back memories of never finding my dad at home because he had "gone fishin'."

The sound quality of this recording is excellent, and I believe that this is a good introduction to Louis Armstrong's music for those who have not yet discovered him.

First Kenny G and now this weak collection. That sound you hear in the Big Easy is Louis rolling over.

Louis Armstrong may not have had the smooth and refined voice of Bing Crosby, and he wasn't concerned about charting unexplored musical territory, but his warmth and sheer love of music made Satchmo one of America's musical legends. Although Armstrong will perhaps be best remembered as a great jazz trumpet player, he was also a wonderful vocalist whose gruff voice could draw listeners with its honesty and friendliness.

MCA's "The Best of Louis Armstrong" -- part of the label's 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection -- is a seemingly modest 10-track selection of Armstrong's vocal-and-trumpet songs recorded over a 19-year period (1949-1968). Some are familiar to Broadway and movie buffs (Armstrong appeared in the film version of "Hello, Dolly!" starring Barbra Streisand, and "What a Wonderful World" is heard in Robin Williams' "Good Morning, Vietnam"). Other songs, such as "Blueberry Hill", may be associated with such singers as Fats Domino, but Satchmo takes them and makes them his own. Particularly appealing are his rendition of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Gone Fishin' " (which features a vocal duet with another American musical legend, Bing Crosby).

This CD is great for any fan of jazz or popular vocal music, but it is especially valuable to new listeners who have yet to discover the legendary Satchmo's rich musical legacy. It's a great introduction to America's truly native musical form, and it's a worthy tribute to one of the country's best known (and best-loved) musical ambassadors.

Louis Armstrong has one of those voices that no matter what you are doing, when you hear him sing, you know its him. The distinctiveness and depth of his voice is undeniable. It is a good thing this is a CD and not an album, because it would be worn out by now if it were an album.

If you are looking for a basic sample of this lengendary trumpet players work, you have it right here. Blueberry Hill, Hello Dolly, Gone Fishing, and more all brighten up this disc. Anyone listening to this disc, can see that Louis was a legendary trumpet player and a fine vocalist in his own special way. Somes a gravely vocal style can be quite endearing. One could probably search out one of the larger sets if one wants more Louis, but as an intro this collection is quite good.

This CD boasts ten great hits of Louis Armstrong. The quality of the remastering and the sound is excellent; the liner notes offer a great essay about Louis' career and there are excellent photos of Louis Armstrong as well.

The CD starts with the beautiful classic "What A Wonderful World." I agree with the liner notes: only Louis Armstrong could sing this song and leave you with the unequivocal impression that our world really WAS a harmonious place in which to live. "Hello Dolly" is perhaps my favorite song on this CD because Armstrong handles this number with so much class. The song is certainly romantic and nostalgic; but Louis performs this song in an especially joyful way with a big band flavor that only Louis could do.

Other masterpieces on this album include the romantic "Dream A Little Dream Of Me;" the joyful "Cabaret;" "That Lucky Old Sun" and the classic ballad entitled "Blueberry Hill." There's even a splendid duet with Louis and Bing Crosby on "Gone Fishin'." Moreover, the CD ends beautifully with the song entitled "When It's Sleepy Time Down South."

The musical arrangements are wonderful throughout! Excellent!

Unfortunately, however, I am very disappointed that there are only ten relatively short tracks on this CD. The total running time is roughly 28 minutes--not even half an hour. The manufacturer certainly could have added at least two more songs to create a better value for customers. Therefore this will be a four star review instead of a five star review.

In short, this CD stands as an introduction to the great talents and sophistication of the late Louis Armstrong. I cannot call this a retrospective because none of Louis' work with his band mates called The Hot Fives and Sevens are on this CD. If you like this CD, I suggest you try the box set entitled The Hot Fives & Sevens, Satch Plays Fats: The Music of Fats Waller and The California Concerts which were recorded live during the 1950s.

Enjoy!

There are better anthologies out there already. This one is superfluous

A penny doesn't buy much if anything anymore. But for a penny, one cent.......1/100th of a dollar, I got this set: 10 songs of Louis Armstrong singing the "pop hits".

Hello Dolly, What A Wonderful World, A Kiss To Build A Dream On.....the stuff that a true fan (like myself) wouldn't spend serious money on but still; for a penny(?), (plus postage)you get that last piece of "Pop's" long and celebrated career.

Portrait Of An Artist As A Young Man........essential
Hot 5 and Hot 7 material.....................essential
Louis and Ella...............................essential
Louis and Duke...............................essential

This is the serious music......the real stuff at Pop's peak.

This CD is just for the sheer fun of it.

Oh.....and did I mention it only cost a penny? More than your moneys worth here!!!!!!!!!

This is a subjective review, I was hoping for a little more than I got. Even though it is classic Louis Armstrong I don't feel it represents his best. Again, this my opinion someone else may really enjoy all the music on this disc.