Customer Reviews

Definitive Collection

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4 star:		(6)
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2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I think this is an excellent album for someone who wants an easy-to-get-into introduction to jazz. It contains Louis' later hits, like Hello Dolly! which knocked the Beatles off the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Top 100 list in 1964 and made Louis the oldest man ever to have a number one hit single.

This album also contains some superb earlier work including a taste of Louis duetting with Ella Fitzgerald accompanied by Oscar Peterson, and some terrific numbers like I Want a Little Girl from 1946.

All in all it is an extremely enjoyable listen. If it inspires some people to take an interest in jazz, when they didn't before, then so much the better, and if it doesn't, well it is still enjoyable in its own right.

Considering that Louis was one of the seminal players who practically invented jazz in the 1920s, and a key figure in the history of twentieth century popular culture whom every one ought to know about, this album is a pretty fun place to start.

From here I would perhaps move on to listen to the Best of the Verve Years with the duets with Ella Fitzgerald, and then to some of the earlier stuff.

[Oh, yes, one more thing. You can hear in Hello Dolly! that he pronounced his own name Loo-iss and not Loo-ee!]

Louis Armstrong's recording career spanned five decades and 47 years. 1923 to 1970, Louis recorded albums and singles regularly. As of December 25, 2009, the only collection that has come close to summarizing all of his recordings is the 'Ken Burns JAZZ' collection, with 25 recordings. But that still doesn't do him justice.

So, in 2006, Hip-O Records (owned by the Universal Music Group, or UMG) decided to release the millionth-and-one Armstrong collection. The title was 'The Definitive Collection.' It looks like a nice set, judging by the packaging. There's Satchmo on the cover, with his signature trumpet. And to it's defense, the packaging is incredible. Good liner notes, good information about the tracks. Hip-O did outstanding in that regard.

But other than that, this is a pretty awful collection. A low point in the normally-outstanding 'The Definitive Collection' series.

First of all, while most of the music here is great, it is by no means a 'definitive collection.' To be truly definitive, you need his Hot Fives and Sevens from the 1925-1928 period, his recordings with Earl Hines from 1928-1930, his RCA victor period from 1933-1934 and again from 1945-1947. And while we're on the topic, why not include his early 1923 recordings with King Oliver? In order for it to be definitive, these recordings are absolutely necessary.

What that leaves are his Decca and Verve recordings. 'Struttin' With Some Barbecue' is here, albeit in it's 1938 remake of his recording ten years prior, but still in a smoking version nonetheless.

But all that's left now is the "easy listening" Louis. That means, 'What a Wonderful World,' 'Hello Dolly,' 'Blueberry Hill,' 'A Kiss to Build a Dream On,' etc. And while those are quite nice recordings and are definitive, they are just not enough for a compilation titled 'The Definitive Collection.'

A more appropriate title would be 'Louis Armstrong - The Definitive Decca/Verve Collection.' Because that's in retrospect what this is. It's not truly definitive. In my honest opinion, there is yet to be a truly "definitive" Louis Armstrong collection, and I doubt there ever will be. You'd need at least 12 CDs to do so.

Recommended for the latter day Louis Armstrong fan.

The songs on LOUIS ARMSTRONG * THE DEFINITIVE COLLECTION generally follow a regression from 1968 to 1938. The album's liner notes conversely provide details of Armstrong's most influential years: the mid-Twenties until his lip broke, while touring Europe in the early 1930s. The writer glows about Satchmo's influence on ALL subsequent musicians and vocalists, from Benny Goodman to the Rolling Stones! Truly a hyperbolic overview.

But the music is what matters most. Armstrong adapted to the realities of losing his superhuman playing abilities by developing a more expressive style, and by concentrating on vocalization. This album documents well that second phase of his performing career. Source material is drawn from all major labels: DECCA, COLUMBIA, VICTOR, ABC-PARAMOUNT, KAPP and VERVE. Transfer quality is excellent. This collection is particularly recommended for newcomers to the music of Louis Armstrong.

TOTAL RUNNING TIME -- 75:39

This single CD retrospective of artistry by the immortal Louis Armstrong is a keeper for his fans. The quality of the sound is good and I like the tracks on this disc. Sure, it's far from all of his best; but as a single CD retrospective this ain't too shabby!

The album starts off with the exquisite "What A Wonderful World;" this was recorded later in Louis's career and he still sounds a strong and marvelous as ever! The musical arrangement makes great use of the brass, strings and percussion. Awesome! "Cabaret" features Louis's vocals squarely in the spotlight--which is exactly where they should be--and Louis sings this with panache and all the positive energy anyone could ever muster! Moreover, listen also for "Dream A Little Dream Of Me;" Satchmo does this so wonderfully; I predict that you will enjoy this ballad very much.

Of course, "Hello, Dolly" was another huge hit for Louis Armstrong later on in his career; and just one listen will proves why. Love that arrangement! Louis Armstrong never sings a superfluous note and his gravelly voice just can't be beat. "On The Sunny Side Of The Street" is another tremendous hit; listen for that trumpet flourish at the very beginning of this number.

"Mack The Knife" is a good one from Louis Armstrong; and "Gone Fishin'" is a great duet between the great Bing Crosby and Louis himself. What a duet this is--I know you'll like it just as much as I do. In addition, there's also "Blueberry Hill" which sparkles like champagne when Louis performs this to perfection.

"Ain't Misbehavin'" is a whole lot of fun to hear; and the band that plays with Satchmo really plays beautifully. The album ends with a live track of Louis singing "When It's Sleepy Time Down South;" this makes a strong ending for this album and I also like this very much.

The liner notes have good artwork and there's an informative essay as well.

The great Louis Armstrong lives on through his fine and countless contributions to the arts. I recommend this for Louis Armstrong fans and people who enjoy classic jazz vocals.

Naturally, if you are one of the vast numbers of Satchmo's pop followers, you'll find everything you need on this volume ("What a Wonderful World", "Cabaret", "Hello Dolly", "Blueberry Hill"...), but if you're more of a jazz fan and you buy this album, well...
As old Pops would put it - someday you'll be sorry...

Strictly for jazz beginners and pop fans; there's nothing definitive or essential abotu this album, although this is far from being bad music...

I wanted an album of Louis' songs that included "Give Me a Kiss to Build a Dream On", so chose this compilation, but was surprised at the quality and range of the other songs also on this CD. This is "Sunday-brunch-on-the-balcony-in-the-sun-with-mimosas" kind of a CD and I enjoy it every weekend!

I ORDERED THIS AND THE ESSENTIAL LOUIS ARMSTRONG BOTH ARE A MUST HAVE FOR ANY ONE WHO IS A MUSICAL STANDERS FAN. EVERY BIG HIT AND RARE TRACKS AND EVERY THING IN BETWEEN IS ON THESE CDS. WELL WORTH THE MONEY. PERFECT.

A collection of the great tunes sung by the master. This is an album that needs to be in everyone's collection.

Although jazz isn't my go-to genre of music, I definitely enjoy it from time to time, being serenaded by relaxing vocals and instrumentals. Louis Armstrong is definitely one of my favorites, not just due to his unique voice, but the carefree demeanor with which he sings, expressing an unbridled joy that permeates through my being. While I am more a fan of his collaborations with Ella Fitzgerald, I find this collection of hits very satisfying as a casual jazz listener.

This is a great buy if you want to hear and study the solo work of Louis. There are 23 of his best works present. All have been re-mastered and the sound quality is great. I prefer to hear Louis with his own small group(s). Some of the CD bands contain significant studio instrumental arrangements behind Louis which is diappointing to many of us who prefer Louis and his small group(s). Yet, Louis did have his own large band at one time. In any case his solo style comes through and it is a wonderful recording to use as a study of his own solo form.