LOUIS ARMSTRONG’S 70 GREATEST RECORDINGS
Although I have long wanted to write about Louis Armstrong for The Syncopated Times, since Ricky Riccardi’s trio of books (Stomp Off Let’s Go, Heart Full Of Rhythm, and What A Wonderful World) definitively cover Satch’s life, I decided to try a different approach then a straight biography. Here are my picks (in chronological order) of the 70 top recordings (individual songs rather than albums) that the great man made during his 70 years. Since he made many more than 70 gems, feel free to argue over the ones that I missed!
1. Chimes Blues (Apr. 5, 1923) Armstrong did not get to solo much on his recordings with King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band in 1923 but he did get a spot during their first session and his statement (worked out in advance) hints at the future.
2. Shanghai Shuffle (Nov. 7, 1924) While his solos during his year with the Fletcher Henderson tended to be a bit brief, they certainly made an impact on New York musicians with his ability to tell a story in his playing, use space for dramatic effect, and the way that he built up his solos. All of that is in evidence during his chorus on this performance with Henderson’s orchestra.
3. Cake Walkin’ Babies From Home (Jan. 8, 1925) The two top horn soloists in jazz at the time battle it out as Armstrong and soprano-saxophonist Sidney Bechet star on one of the hottest re
