Louis Armstrong - Plays W.C. Handy (mono)

"Based upon the diversity of music, quality of product and their extraordinary rate of progress, Pure Pleasure Records is our re-issue record company of the year." - hi-fi+

"The excellence of Louis' band is so high and so consistent that every man deserves commendation for his part in making this remarkably fine record. Trummy Young particularly should be singled out for his driving solos and for the way his 'boots' Louis in the final ensembles. The way I fell about this record can be summed up in this way. When I die, I want people to say, 'That's the guy that if it hadn't been for him and Louis Armstrong and W.C. Handy, there wouldn't have been that great record, Louis Armstrong Plays W.C. Handy.'" – excerpt from the sleeve notes by George Avakian

"Pure Pleasure has remastered one of my desert island discs – my favorite Armstrong recording and one that shows him at his best musically and sonically…How does this new release stack up against the original maroon label Columbia vinyl? Almost from the moment that the stylus first touched down, I heard subtle and not so subtle details that I had never noticed before, and I have listened to this recording in various incarnations hundreds of times. Add to that fact that the harmonic texture is captured spot on, and this new re-issue is an instant candidate for my Record of the Year…don't miss it!" Recording = 10/10; Music = 10/10 – Dennis D. Davis, Hi-Fi+, Issue 45

St Louis Blues

Yellow Dog Blues

Loveless Love

Aunt Hagar’s Blues

Long Gone (From Bowling Green)

Memphis Blues

Beale Street Blues

Ole Miss Blues

Chantez Les Bas (Sing ‘Em Low)

Hesitating Blues

Atlanta Blues (Make Me One Pallet On Your Floor)

George Avakian’s Interview With W.C. Handy

Loveless Love (rehearsal sequence)

Hesitating Blues (rehearsal sequence)

Alligator Story

Long Gone (From Bowling Green) (rehearsal sequence)

Customer Reviews (5.00 Stars) 4 person(s) rated this product.

Excellent performances and recording posted on 04/05/2023 5 Stars The best recording I've ever heard of Louis Armstrong. Stunning clarity

Don't need to buy a ticket! posted on 03/14/2020 5 Stars Reviewer: Chris If you want to hear "Satchmo" at his absolute best, this is it! The listener is in the front row. The clarity is astonishing!

Classic posted on 08/17/2007 5 Stars Reviewer: Sean A true desert island gem.

So this is why he was so famous! posted on 10/23/2006 5 Stars Reviewer: Pat The best Armstrong I've heard. At least as desirable, delectable as Ella & Louis. The track with commentary from W. C. Handy, himself, is a wonderful bonus. Best version of St. Louis Blues I've heard.

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