Customer Reviews

The Best of Louis Armstrong - The Christmas Collection: 20th Century Masters

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Yes, this is a compilation album (a collection of tracks from different albums rather than one issued complete by the artist), but who cares. This is a collection of fine Christmas tunes by great artists from the era of the big bands, jazz, and swing. Besides, anytime you can hear Louis Armstrong make music is a time to be happy and that seems particularly appropriate to the Christmas season.

On this album, the tracks given to Mr. Armstrong are "Christmas in New Orleans", "White Christmas", "Christmas Night in Harlem", "Cool Yule" (particularly fun!), "'Zat You, Santa Claus" (yes, the tune covered by Buster Poindexter), and "Winter Wonderland.

You also get to hear a young Mel Torme in a live performance of his now standard "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire). Particularly worthwhile.

And we get Christmas songs by Dinah Washington, Peggy Lee, Eartha Kitt, and Lena Horne. The other friends are tracks by Lionel Hampton, Duke Ellington (a rousing big band instrumental of Jingle Bells), and Louis Jordan.

This is a great album to have filling your house over the Christmas Season.

People may wonder why I'm reviewing this Christmas CD in February. "Oh, wow, Matt's writing a review of a Christmas CD in February?" You bet I am! We're having our first real snowstorm today after an incredibly dry winter; and it made me think of the holiday season and Christmas. This CD brought back frond memories for me of listening to great Christmas music when I was young. The CD features Louis Armstrong and his contemporaries performing classic Christmas songs with a few pleasant surprises thrown in for good measure. Awesome!

The CD opens with Louis Armstrong performing "Christmas In New Orleans" with the big band sound of The Benny Carter Orchestra in the background. The musical arrangement relies on the horns and wonderful piano playing to enhance the beauty of this joyful number. Louis plays a splendid trumpet solo as well.

After THAT intro you'll scream for more; and that's exactly what you will receive! Louis performs the traditional melancholy ballad entitled "White Christmas;" Louis Armstrong croons delightfully on this number with the incomparable Gordon Jenkins and His Orchestra. Louis and The Benny Carter Orchestra join forces a second time to produce the big band flavored "Christmas Night In Harlem." Enchanting! SMILES

In addition to "White Christmas," other traditional Christmas songs on this album include "Silent Night" performed Dinah Washington with a backup choir; a live recording of Mel Torme performing "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire);" and a jazzy big band rendition of "Jingle Bells" by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. I guarantee this will make you happy any time of the year!

A few special surprises pop out at you, too. Louis Armstrong and The Commanders deliver "Cool Yule" with panache, sophistication and joy in their hearts. The big band arrangement and the trumpet solo leave nothing to be desired--this is perfection! In addition, Eartha Kitt sings her famous number "Santa Baby" with Henri Rene and His Orchestra. Lena Horne also does a great job with "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town." She even sings a few bars of an opening verse! Lena's voice is rich, warm and vibrant.

The CD ends with Louis Armstrong and Gordon Jenkins teaming up one more time for "Winter Wonderland." This peaceful yet joyful rendition provides a strong ending for this album.

I highly recommend this CD for Louis Armstrong fans as well as people who enjoy classic Christmas pop vocals. The big band sounds on some tracks enhance your listening pleasure. May you get this CD and enjoy it as much as I have!

Being from New Orleans, I would naturally be partial to this CD. However, I think anyone could enjoy the nostalgic sounds and jazzy tones of this Christmas selection. It is not easy to find in stores, so be grateful to Amazon for including it in their catalog.

Great mix of artists & songs. Doesn't get boring like some albums when all songs sound the same after time. I definately recommend!

This is a new favorite! I've never heard about it before I downloaded it from Amazon! My favorite it New Orleans White Christmas but all songs are top notch. The White in New Orleans is Cotton! Great album and one that 20th Century is keeping alive and well.

A totally upbeat, happy and innovative collection of holiday favorites. Christmas Night in Harlem was a nice surprise as was Christmas in New Orleans. It'll make you smile.

There are some great tunes on this cd. This is a family favorite in our house. I find that the older I get the more I like the way Louis Armstrong sings White Christmas. Of course there's Cool Yule on here, one of my favorites, Zat You, Santa Claus? - another favorite. And I like the insturmental Jingle Bells on here as well. Louis Armstrong has some interesting "friends" on this cd.

Great Album, my new favorite Christmas CD. It has a decent amount of Louis and some classics sprinkled in as well.

I've always been a fan of Armstrong and this CD brings him smack dab in my living room during the holidays. Him and his friends really settle with the Christmas Spirit. This is a must have for any fan of Armstrong or jazz.

I've looked high and low for this CD and could never find it. I thought about looking on Amazon and found. It was perfect for me. I just love this CD.