LOUIS ARMSTRONG - Louis Armstrong Plays W. C. Handy (1954-1999) SACD / DSF-WV STEREO

This recording was not only Louis Armstrong's finest record of the 1950s but one of the truly classic jazz sets. Armstrong and his All-Stars (trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, drummer Barrett Deems, and singer Velma Middleton) were clearly inspired by the fresh repertoire, 11 songs written by W.C. Handy. Their nearly nine-minute version of "St. Louis Blues" -- with witty vocals, roaring Young trombone, and a couple of long majestic trumpet solos -- is arguably the greatest version of the oft-recorded song. Other highlights include "Loveless Love," "Beale Street Blues," and a romping version of "Ole Miss Blues." Essential music for all serious jazz collections. [Some reissues also include rehearsal versions of three songs, Louis Armstrong telling a joke, and a brief George Avakian interview with W.C. Handy.] by Scott Yanow 
Tracklist:
1. St Louis Blues 8:52
W.C. Handy 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong, Velma Middleton

2. Yellow Dog Blues 4:17 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong

W.C. Handy 

3. Loveless Love 4:29 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong, Velma Middleton

W.C. Handy 

4. Aunt Hagar’s Blues 4:58
Tim Brymn / W.C. Handy 
5 .Long Gone (From Bowling Green) 5:10
W.C. Handy / Chris Smith 
6. The Memphis Blues (Or Mister Crump) 3:00
W.C. Handy / George Norton 
7. Beale Street Blues 4:57

Vocals – Louis Armstrong

W.C. Handy 

8. Ole Miss Blues 3:26 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong

 W.C. Handy 

9. Chantez Les Bas (Sing ‘Em Low) 4:49

Vocals – Louis Armstrong

W.C. Handy 

10. Hesitating Blues 5:21 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong, Velma Middleton

W.C. Handy 

11. Atlanta Blues (Make Me One Pallet On Your Floor) 4:34 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong

David Elman / W.C. Handy 

12. George Avakian’s Interview With W.C. Handy 2:45
David Elman / W.C. Handy 
13. Loveless Love (rehearsal sequence) 5:56

W.C. Handy 

14. Hesitating Blues (rehearsal sequence) 5:40 

W.C. Handy 

Vocals – Louis Armstrong, Velma Middleton

15. Alligator Story 0:47 

16. Long Gone (From the Bowlin' Green)

W.C. Handy / Chris Smith

Credits:

Bass – Arvell Shaw

Clarinet – Barney Bigard

Drums – Barrett Deems

Piano – Billy Kyle

Trombone – Trummy Young

Trumpet, Vocals – Louis Armstrong

Vocals – Velma Middleton