Customer Reviews

Satchmo (Da Capo Paperback)

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

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The editors kept Armstrong's voice true to the legend and honest in its depictions of his sometimes harsh life in New Orleans. However, Artmstrong's sense of humor and goodness shine through his story and the reader really learns to like him as a person as well as a great musician. As a native New Orleanian, I really enjoyed his descriptions of the city during that time. I look forward to reading this book again!

What shines through this recollection of Louis Armstrong's youth in New Orleans is the essential positive outlook this man seems to have been born with despite the hardship of his early years. This "life-force' for lack of a better term is what drove his musicianship to such heights that he is the most revered American musician of the 20th century. While this is no scholalry biography it is written with the feel of an oral history and reading it is much like having Satch relate these tales over a few drinks. Not only does it shed much light on the real person that Louis Armstrong was but it also reflects an era in old New Orleans that is absolutely fascinating to read about in the words of someone who lived there. This is a hugely enjoyable book on numerous levels and for fans of Armstrong it is indispensible.

I agree with the previous reviewers regarding style and simplicity.

What I loved most about this book is the glimpse into old New Orleans, an older America, and the richness of black music and its culture and roots.

One learns some older blues jargon, and, implicitly, the closely knit New Orleans musical life. The book also gives insight into another culture, musicians, pimps and prostitutes and the sporting life, as well as the unfailing positive spirit of Louis Armstrong.

This is more about the times of his youth than an in depth understanding of the development of his musicianship. It is, however, an entertaining and informative read, for lovers of the man, blues, jazz, and 'wild west' New Orleans culture around the early 1900's. Mr. Armstrong's happiness and energy pour forth in every page.

Love it! Awesome story about Satchmo's life in New Orleans, the bands he played in, his influences, where/how he learned and developed his sound and more! Recommend it for anyone who is interested in going back in time and "seeing, smelling, hearing, etc" how it really was back in the day.

Bought and read it twice in a couple weeks. Terrific imagery into old New Orleans. Get it- you'll love it.

This book is a quick and enjoyable read, but the reader needs to be ready for a very simple and unpretentious telling of Satchmo's early years. Some of his writing is charming in its simplicity, but some of it is pretty clunky.

For example, here is part of the dialog he documents between him and his mother, after he abruptly got married without her knowledge. Armstrong, defending his decision, says to his mother, "You must realize that I didn't go any further than fifth grade in school myself. But with my good sense and mother-wit (sic), and knowing how to treat and respect the feelings of other people, that's all I've needed in life. You taught me that, mother." A fine philosophy of life, put in humble and concise manner. But then he goes on to write, "Then she said, 'You must bring your wife to me; I want to meet her.' With a palpating heart I gave a big sigh of relief and said: 'Oh, thanks, mom.'" (page 160)

Adding some additional information, such as notations explaining some of the other characters and some of the background to the colorful scenes he describes, would make this a great book. As it is, it is a fun and quick read that fans of jazz shouldn't miss.

You left you music to carry on so majestic, so elogant. Your music makes the song bird sing, while traveling in rainey and sunny New Orleans skies. Your music makes southern bees dance and fly. When I here your music, I just let my mind give over to your music. When I want to relax, your music, I choose it. It's jazzy, calm and cool. Your music makes me feel like I'm retiring on a raft in a pool. Your music is a real jewel.