“Jazz legend Louis Armstrong tends to interest blues fans more for his accompanists than anything else, though lovers of New Orleans sounds certainly appreciate him. Public Melody No. “Intégrale Louis Armstrong Vol 8 1937-1938” would at first glance seem to have little to offer the blues lover, but this is swing-time Louis, not too far before the advent of rhythm & blues, and that later style has its pointers here. It is fascinating to hear him on a radio show from 1937. The Mills Brothers contribute jive-y vocals to some tracks, and the two spoof sermons from 1938 certainly had their counterparts in R&B, at least attitude-wise. Of course, if you appreciate swing anyway, this 3-CD set is indispensable!”
By Norman Darwen — BLUES IN BRITAIN
By Norman Darwen — BLUES IN BRITAIN
