Louis Armstrong: The Memphis Blues

This pairing of Armstrongs artistry with Handys music seems so obvious that one might question why it took until 1954 to become a realitybut lets just be glad that it did. Armstrongs vocal is charming as always, and Young and Bigard add some complimentary commentary. The power of Armstrongs trumpet sound will never be surpassed, nor will the elegance, emotional weight, and indisputable logic of his improvisations. Some fans will eternally wish that Louis played more trumpet in his later years, but listeners will be hard-pressed to imagine any more notes being added to this perfect solo. After you hear it once, youll never want to hear it any other way.