Verve Records has announced the release of Louis in London, Louis Armstrong’s last great live performance on July 12. The album will be released on digital, CD, and exclusive black-and-blue vinyl.
Anyone who has listened to jazz is sure to recognize the music of Louis Armstrong. Throughout his five decade career, he revolutionized jazz trumpet and singing, achieving critical and commercial success never seen before. While born in New Orleans, Armstrong settled in Queens, NY, where he worked for much of his life. His work altered jazz, placing emphasis on improvised solos, crafting the jazz we know today. Off of the success of hits like “Hello Dolly” and “What a Wonderful World,” Armstrong and his All-star Band played across the world.
In 1968, they traveled to London to play the BBC Show of the Week. The performance was one “full of vitality and joy,” with some of Armstrong’s most inspired singing and trumpeting. Armstrong realized the impact of this recording, choosing to share it with his close friends more than any of his other works. Additionally, Armstrong hoped that the world could enjoy the recording, affixing a note that read “for the fans” on the tape box after receiving it. Now over five decades later, the recording is being released to the public, just as Armstrong hoped.
“Armstrong once claimed he was here ‘in the cause of happiness.’ All these decades later, albums like LOUIS IN LONDON continue his life’s mission at a time when we still need to be reminded that maybe it still is a wonderful world and maybe we’ll never walk alone after all.”
-Ricky Riccardi
The Album features eleven of the greatest songs recorded by Armstrong and The All Stars. Additionally, the release will feature extensive liner notes from Ricky Riccardi, an Armstrong biographer and director of research collections at the Louis Armstrong House Museum.
To preorder the album, follow the link here.
Louis in London Tracklist:
When It’s Sleepy Time Down South
(Back Home Again) In Indiana
A Kiss To Build a Dream On
Hello, Dolly!
Mame
You’ll Never Walk Alone
Ole Miss
Blueberry Hill
Mack The Knife
Rockin’ Chair
The Bare Necessities
What a Wonderful World
When The Saints Go Marching In
Louis Armstrong: trumpet, vocals
The All Stars:
Tyree Glenn: trombone | Joe Muranyi: clarinet
Marty Napoleon: piano | Buddy Catlett: bass
Danny Barcelona: drums
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