Customer Reviews

Armstrong Meets Peterson

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

On that great Verve album cover, two giants of twentieth century jazz, sitting on plain old barstools, shirtsleeved, about as casual as casual can be.
A fitting intro to this recording.Satchmo is not encumbered by that saccharine pop stuff of his later years, nor is he too Bourbon Street to bear. Instead, he swings gracefully, wittily, almost effortlessly from track to track, contributing some growls where needed, a little soulful commentary now and then, and, of course, that smile that one almost see in his voice.

He tackles these standards in a mellow but never vapid way; you've heard most of these songs before, but Armstrong makes you want to listen, makes you hum a little in the car, a few finger pops, and, of course, you find yourself singing along.

O.P.'s trio is exactly what Armstrong needed for an outing like this. As always, they absolutely swing, with wonderful licks from Herb Ellis, Ray Brown's steady but playful bass, and some brushes and softly pulsing rhythm from guest drummer Louie Bellson.

Ah, and there's Oscar himself, as relaxed as Armstrong, as casual, even as restrained, because, like Satchmo, on this recording Oscar does not even begin to lapse into self-indulgence or caricature-- as both artists at times tend to do. Nope, O.P. just runs the keyboard in a manner that seems to steady and support Armstrong. These two giants share the spotlight here, with respect for each other and for the music.

The Trio(plus one) is in sweet form here. Satch sings up a quiet storm, and even contributes a few licks on that always startling, always shining trumpet of his.

Buy it. Add to your O.P. collection, or to your Armstrong collection. Or begin your collection of either or both masters.
This is a no-brainer.

Whoever plays with Oscar Peterson and his renowned Trio (Herb Ellis on guitar) usually shine... but Louis Armstrong really shines here. It's one of my favorite Armstrong releases (even though it's Oscar Peterson's). My my what a combination, the recording is just okay (tape hiss) but the musicianship is rock solid. Louis' vocals are slightly subdude, but lends a wonderful rich quality to the tracks. Great sessions, made even greater by the old, trusty vocal and horn work generated by Louis Armstrong. Did I say "Rock Solid?" I should have said Jazz Solid.

I first heard a track from this cd on NPR. It was "you go to my head". I love this recording and am so gratefull I discovered it. It touched my heart in a way that few recordings ever have. This is my favorite Armstrong album, and I feel that he was in a zone when he was recording it. I got the sense that he was so at ease with Oscar Peterson and his own self that the music just poured from him, like water from a pitcher. Try it you'll like it.

I have seldom come across an album that offers total mastery and craft of the jazz idiom as well as music that is easily enjoyable. It is an album that the most and least trained ears will love alike. This is an absolute must for any jazz lover's collection. For those who want a fine jazz record that does not require the listener's effort, try this one, Cannonball Adderly's Somethin' Else, Joshua Redman's Mood Swing or Miles Davis' Kind of Blue. Those would be my four CD's that one should get if they'd like to introduce themselves to good jazz and find it immediately satisfying.

No doubt this is a 5 star performance. Armstong's vocals are sublime, as is Peterson's piano playing. But be forewarned, this remastered cd has an overbearing amount of tape hiss! I don't know anything about the modern technology that goes into these "remasters" but it is hard to believe there wasn't something that could have been done to reduce this horrible tape sibilence while preserving the overall sonic quality. I have never heard this 1957 album either on vinyl or its original cd issue; all I can tell you is that if you are at all bothered by tape hiss, you're not going to derive much enjoyment from this remastered cd. Too bad, because it is a nice performance (if a bit light on Louis' trumpet solos) from what is my favorite Louis Armstrong period - the late Fifties.

"The final proof of greatness lies in being able to endure criticism without resentment." Elbert Hubbard

How can you define real greatness? How can something so singular and sublime be defined with mere words? This recording speaks for itself. Simply put, this is one hell of an effort, a collaboration of the highest nature. If you are a fan of jazz, a fan of great music, then place your order today.

When this album was first cut back in October of 1957, fans, critics and musicians alike were at first a bit apprehensive & sceptical. Many of the so-called experts of the day considered it an unwise move for both Satchmo and Peterson's trio. Sure, they had all cut a classic recording with Ella a year before. But Pops, the king of the dixieland era on his OWN with O.P. and the boys was looking like an unwise partnership. It was viewed as a potential regressive step down for the latter, and too unsuitable a step for the former (a simple case of biting off more than one can chew). But Armstrong would prove all the critics wrong again (of course with a little help from his friends)! Satch proved yet once again that he could play and croon with anyone, anytime, anywhere. And the results were magical!

We dont get to hear Pops on his trumpet a whole lot (however his opening trumpet solo on "You Go to My Head" leaves me in goosebumps every time I hear it!), but we do get to hear his serene and sandy voice backed by one hell of a great quartet - Peterson (piano), Herb Ellis (guitar), Ray Brown (bass), and Louis Bellson (drums) - all playing in top form. Ellis in particular gives such an understated performance on this one, especially the way he plays with the great Ray Brown on bass.

I could write pages for ages about this one and still not do it justice. One reviewer complained about the hiss in the background, but I only heard that slightly on two songs and not enough to complain or dock it even one tenth of star. This one is legendary! This one is definitely worth every penny and then some! If you don't own it yet, order it today.

This music is warm and relaxed. You can imagine Oscar and Ray and Louis all smiling and having a gas recording this wonderful album. There is no better backing band than Oscar Peterson and his boys (also see any of the Louis/Ella albums), and Louis sings these standards with heart and feeling. His "ahhs" and "ooooh yeahs" and hack-jobs of the lyrics make it all the better! I can't think of a CD of mine that sees more action! Get it, or truly miss out on something amazing.

A beautiful record and very easy to like. Contains great pop standards performed by two masters. Highly recommended.

Two Masters TOGETHER. Nothing overbearing, nobody trying to out do the other, just well nice balance of 2 VERY TALENTED MUSICIANS. Enjoyable from Start to Finish!

I'm a big fan of Louis Armstrong and also have great respect for Oscar Peterson--they are great musicians. But I was disappointed in this CD. The music is lackluster (bordering on boring) and the sound-quality is not great. (I have the 1990 issue on Verve.) I have tried listening to it several times but I simply cannot stay interested.