As one of the most influential performers in Jazz history, Louis Armstrong’s name is universally recognized even decades after he last played a note. Known for his infectious smile, distinctive gravelly voice, and impeccable ability to improvise with his trumpet and voice with ease, it is not going out on a limb to call him an American icon.
He made his way playing in brass bands as a young man down in New Orleans, and by the 1920s, he moved on to Chicago to become part of Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Chi-town’s most influential jazz band of the time. From here, Armstrong continued to make waves, going on to form his own band called The Hot Five, before soon becoming regarded by many as the best trumpet player in the world. A moniker that probably made the humble Armstrong blush, he not only was making an impact among African American audiences but was one of the first in more segregated times to attract a broader audience. A factor that makes him more than a musician but a historically impactful individual who pushed forward diversity and equality… it is vital to remember how very important Mr. Louis Armstrong is.
Adored and beloved by many, in an illustrious, lengthy career, he spent ample time performing hundreds of shows a year, recording countless collections of songs, and even appearing in films. Honored in American culture time and time again through the decades, you could find him anywhere from a US postal stamp to the theatrical musical A Wonderful World, which found its way to Broadway in 2024.
Speaking of which, this past August 4th would have been Armstrong’s 123rd birthday, and in celebration, music lovers of all ages have a chance to own a new compilation of his music on vinyl. Simply perfect timing, considering the aforementioned A Wonderful World is receiving raved reviews as a high-energy show. That being said, any new release of Louis Armstrong’s music to a vinyl format has not taken place in over forty years. It is hard to believe it has been that long, but there is now a new release called Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong, which arrives on September 13, 2024, through Verve Records and Ume.
Packed from front to back with thirteen songs, you get a great selection of some of Louis Armstrong’s signature recordings. Including songs like “Hello, Dolly!,” “Moon River,” “Blueberry Hill,” and “What A Wonderful World,” you also have outstanding duets with the legendary Ella Fitzgerald for “Dream A Little Dream Of Me,” “Cheek to Cheek,” along with “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” In truth, the songs sell themselves, and the sound quality is crisp and lively as if you were experiencing the performer live in your living room.
As mentioned, it is the first official Armstrong vinyl compilation in many years. However, if you do not have a record player, you can find it digitally, as well as in CD format. Nonetheless, with the special nature of the vinyl release, it is great to note it is available either in standard black vinyl or a really beautiful, exclusive Skies of Blue or Orange Crush (through Amazon only). With that, the album comes in a standard vinyl sleeve featuring a lovely essay by Ricky Riccardi (Director of Research Collections for the Louis Armstrong House Museum) on the back.
Altogether, this new release offers fans an opportunity to own a fresh new pressing of some great songs in one neat collection. Above all, it gives a new generation of music lovers a chance to educate themselves on Louis Armstrong’s music, matching the man’s music with his face in history books. Well worth it, it is a collection you can sit back, enjoy, and realize how special Louis Armstrong’s style of Jazz remains to this day. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Wonderful World: The Best of Louis Armstrong in all its formats 5 out of 5 stars.
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