Critical carping and misguided stylistic arguments aside, in every period of his career Louis Armstrong was formidable in his playing and singing. His appearance with the All-Stars at the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival reminded many who had taken Armstrong for granted of the power of his art. Through Bert Stern’s and Aram Avakian’s film Jazz On A Summer’s Day, his performance that night has reached untold thousands of listeners miles and years beyond the concert in Freebody Park.
The All-Stars were trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Mort Herbert and drummer Danny Barcelona. Jack Teagarden, Armstrong’s brother under the skin, was a guest for “Rockin’ Chair.” Willis Conover made the introduction.
Pops In Full Flight
February 15, 2010 by
The nonagenarian pianist presented de Barros with every biographer’s hope, unrestricted access to his subject’s personal papers and nearly unrestricted access to her private thoughts. He made the most of it, turning exhaustive research and hundreds of hours of interviews into a true story with the sweep of a novel. From the early discovery of McPartland’s musical gift through her wartime service, her ecstatic and stormy marriage to Jimmy McPartland, her growth as a pianist, her deep affair with Joe Morello, and the radio show that made her a national figure, she has had a fascinating life. It makes a splendid read.
Mulligan’s Concert Jazz Band had three fewer musicians than most big jazz outfits. Its size permitted precision, flexibility and subtlety, yet the band had the power of sprung steel. In this concert from a half century ago, the CJB is as fresh as yesterday. Arrangements by Mulligan, Bob Brookmeyer, Al Cohn and Johnny Mandel set standards to which big band writers still aspire. Bassist Buddy Clark and drummer Mel Lewis inspired Mulligan, Brookmeyer, Conte Candoli, Gene Quill and Zoot Sims to some of the best soloing of their careers. This beautifully produced issue of the complete concert is a basic repertoire item.
LOVE this clip. Teagarden and Armstrong’s rapport on “Rockin Chair” is a really special thing.
If that wasn’t nice, I don’t know what is.
Teachout’s book, Pops, is great too.
Being able to recognize West End Blues, and being familiar with Armstrong’s life and playing should be required to graduate from high school. He was one of the greatest Americans of the 20th century. I’d even venture to propose that he was one of the great humans of the 20th century. I wish more people knew about him.