Beginning with “West End Blues” and proceeding in chronological order from that 1928 Hot Five session to “Yellow Dog Blues” in a 1955 session with all-star lineup, Satch Blows The Blues features an arbitrary selection of songs in which Louis Armstrong sings and plays the blues. The period 1932-54 and beyond is omitted in favor of a unified format in which many of Armstrong’s finest recordings appear together. These are memorable occasions. Emotion pours from every corner, and Armstrong always seems to have fun. Both his raspy voice and clarion trumpet are featured on each track. Various instrumental partners make significant contributions; among them are Don Redman, Earl Hines, J.C. Higginbotham, Trummy Young and Barney Bigard. Lionel Hampton plays the vibraphone on a 1930 recording of “Memories of You.” Undoubtedly among Armstrong’s best bands, they’re perfect partners for the seminal jazz pioneer. The leader’s spirited enthusiasm shines through like headlights in the gloomy night. If that makes us feel like deer crossing the highway, so be it.
Track Listing
1. West End Blues
2. Basin Street Blues
3. St. James Infirmary
4. Tight Like That
5. St. Louis Blues
6. Black and Blue
7. Dallas Blues
8. Blue, Turning Gray Over You
9. Memories of You
10. Blue Again
11. When Your Lover Has Gone
12. Lawd! You Made the Night Too Long
13. Hesitation Blues
14. The Memphis Blues
15. Beale Street Blues
16. Yellow Dog Blues
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues,The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.