Customer Reviews

Satchmo Serenade

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An essential all vocal CD of Louis Armstrong, although he plays trumpet too, the emphisis is on singing. Backed by an orchestra, with pleasant arrangements. This material was originally released on LP by Decca as Satchmo Serenades, it includes some bonus tracks from another Decca release Satchmo Sings. Excellent jazz singing and trumpet playing. Essential to all jazz fans.

With classics such La Vie en Rose, A Kiss To Build A Dream On and Hank Williams' Your Cheatin' Heart, Satchmo Serenades is the perfect place to enjoy the vocal charms of Louis Armstrong. Blessed or cursed with the most unique rasp and frog-like voice, Satch knew how to make the most of his vocal limitations. Like his trumpet playing his phrasing and rhythm are impecable. Then there's his skatting, check out It Takes Two To Tango or Someday, (You'll Be Sorry). It doesn't get any better than this.

Recorded between 1949 and 1953 Armstrong was no loner able to play the extended solos and hit the same high notes he had in his prime. To compensate he developed a vocal styling and let his magnificant personality shine through. Nowhere is this more appearant than on these delightful selections, eighteen in all. It's true Louis never hit a wrong note and he always knew precisely how to interpret a song.

Know more for his trumpet than his vocals, I first heard this album some 45 years ago, on my father's even-older record player. What a way to blow the mind of a 5-year old kid! While I hadn't heard the music in over 40 years, I still remembered it like yesterday when I heard Louis sing and play, all over again!
Whether you want your Louis Armstrong for his mastery of the horn, or for his even more unique voice, scoop this CD up fast! You get both, and a brand new appreciation for this Master of Music. The ten bonus tracks are even more icing on this confectionary delight!
(and don't pass by his re-mastered duets with Ella Fitzgerald on other CDs. They'll charm your socks off!)

This Cd is extraordinary. But, as any Satch-lover would argue, which one isnt? But this work contains all vocals. Armstrong uses his powerful and rough voice to execute delicate and intricately beautiful sarenades. It is the real essence of any Satchmo fan. Perfectly paired with a good chardonnay =-)

If you are a fan of Louis Armstrong (even if you aren't) this is a wonderful collection of soulful tunes. It has some rare songs that I could not find in any other collection. A wonderful choice!