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.
Doug Ramsey on Jazz and other matters...
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.