[.ca] Louis Armstrong, Best Of

From Amazon.com:
Louis Armstrong casts a long shadow over all of 20th-century American popular music, thanks in large part to the explosion of talent he displayed in the early part of his career--as an improvisational innovator, bandleader, and vocal stylist. By the time he cut most of the material included on this slight (less than 30-minute) set, he had comfortably settled into his popular persona, mugging and mopping his brow with a handkerchief. That's fine, of course, because Armstrong injects tremendous personality into even the most middle-of-the-road fare, such as "Hello Dolly," "What a Wonderful World," and "Gone Fishin'," a duet with Bing Crosby. Look elsewhere (for example, the budget priced JSP version of the Hot Fives and Sevens or any of Amazon.com's picks for his essential recordings) for the music that made him important. But these are songs that made him beloved. --Daniel Durchholz

What a Wonderful...CD:
I won't lie to you. I'm not that familiar with Louis Armstrong's jazz trumpet accomplishments, although I know he was considered one of the best. I'm also not familiar with many of his songs. But I am intimately familiar with "What a Wonderful World." I saw him perform that song on TV and heard it from time to time in movie soundtracks and loved it every time I heard it. That's why I bought this CD. For that one track alone. And that's the song I've heard on "repeat" all day long, for two days in a row, at the office. Sure, I listened to the entire disk once through when I bought it. I knew Satchmo's renditions of "Hello Dolly" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me." And I like his cover of "Blueberry Hill." Granted, this CD IS short. Way, way too short. (28 minutes and 4 seconds, to be exact.) But -- holy, moly -- this man's heart and soul is there for anyone with ears to hear. It's one of the best representations of an artist you're likely to find anywhere. Louis Armstrong was an original. That much I know. The man was a one of a kind performer the likes of which we probably won't see again. But, for me, Louis Armstrong's career boils down to one song, one single, 2 minute and 15 second song: "What a Wonderful World." Only the Beatles could pack that much enjoyment into so few minutes. And not even they had the talent to put so much wonder and joy into a scant few seconds over two minutes of music. It's simply not possible to listen to this song (even with all of Satchmo's vocal idiosyncracies, rendered crystal clear by the clarity of CDs), and not want to go around humming, hugging people or thinking, well, it's a wonderful world. I may not know much about Louis Armstrong. But I can appreciate his genius and passion. And I think "What a Wonderful World" is one of the greatest songs ever written. And that's coming from someone who may, in the next day, be listening to Black Sabbath. I tend to prefer music of a different sort. But my soul is moved by music of all sorts. And "What a Wonderful World" is moving my soul right now like nothing else I can think of. Buy this CD, please. You won't regret it.

That one and only:
Louis Armstrong has one of those voices that no matter what you are doing, when you hear him sing, you know its him. The distinctiveness and depth of his voice is undeniable. It is a good thing this is a CD and not an album, because it would be worn out by now if it were an album.

Dream a little dream with this CD:
The first time I heard Louis Armstrong's music was in the movie "The Five Pennies." I was watching it at home on a black-and-white TV set with my stepfather and when I heard Armstrong's trumpet playing I found myself paying closer attention to the Danny Kaye movie. Ever since then, when I hear the great "Satchmo," I smile and remember that first moment when I discovered my love of his jazz music. The Best of Louis Armstrong, part of MCA's 20th Century Masters series, has a playing time of less than 30 minutes, yet its 10 memorable songs are captivating and hold me in their enchantment. Although I like all 10 songs, I'm particularly fond of "What a Wonderful World," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "Blueberry Hill," "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," and especially the funny duet with Bing Crosby, "Gone Fishin'." The first four always put me in a romantic mindset, while "Gone Fishin' " brings back memories of never finding my dad at home because he had "gone fishin'." The sound quality of this recording is excellent, and I believe that this is a good introduction to Louis Armstrong's music for those who have not yet discovered him.

Another disappointing CD in this series:
Louis Armstrong was one of the most important musicians of the 20th Century To have a CD that showcases his contributions to the music world that lasts less than 30 minutes is a travesty! Once again the "20th Century" Collection series has launched a dud. DO NOT waste your money on this or any other CD in the series. Take your time and browse through other collections and get more Satchmo for your buck!

"What a Wonderful..." CD this is!:
Louis Armstrong may not have had the smooth and refined voice of Bing Crosby, and he wasn't concerned about charting unexplored musical territory, but his warmth and sheer love of music made Satchmo one of America's musical legends. Although Armstrong will perhaps be best remembered as a great jazz trumpet player, he was also a wonderful vocalist whose gruff voice could draw listeners with its honesty and friendliness. MCA's "The Best of Louis Armstrong" -- part of the label's 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection -- is a seemingly modest 10-track selection of Armstrong's vocal-and-trumpet songs recorded over a 19-year period (1949-1968). Some are familiar to Broadway and movie buffs (Armstrong appeared in the film version of "Hello, Dolly!" starring Barbra Streisand, and "What a Wonderful World" is heard in Robin Williams' "Good Morning, Vietnam"). Other songs, such as "Blueberry Hill", may be associated with such singers as Fats Domino, but Satchmo takes them and makes them his own. Particularly appealing are his rendition of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Gone Fishin' " (which features a vocal duet with another American musical legend, Bing Crosby). This CD is great for any fan of jazz or popular vocal music, but it is especially valuable to new listeners who have yet to discover the legendary Satchmo's rich musical legacy. It's a great introduction to America's truly native musical form, and it's a worthy tribute to one of the country's best known (and best-loved) musical ambassadors.

• What a Wonderful World
• Hello, Dolly!
• Dream a Little Dream of Me
• Cabaret
• That Lucky Old Sun (Just Rolls Around Heaven All Day)
• I Still Get Jealous
• Blueberry Hill
• Kiss to Build a Dream On
• Gone Fishin'
• When It's Sleepy Time Down South