Rudy Vallee's Fleischmann's Yeast Show/Louis' Home-Recorded Tapes

Louis Armstrong recorded constantly throughout his storied career, from his sidemen dates with King Oliver's Creole Jazz Band in 1923, the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra during 1924-25 and backing top blues singers to his Hot Five and Seven recordings, his big band performances and his many years leading the Louis Armstrong All-Stars. More than 35 years after his death, he is still the best known and most beloved of all jazz musicians.

The performances on this two-CD set, which are being released for the first time, are consistently extraordinary. Throughout his life, Armstrong loved to use tape recorders to document his performances, his thoughts and sometimes the music of others. He left behind thousands of hours of tapes that are currently being catalogued, categorized and organized. This release has the initial batch.

The first CD features Louis Armstrong leading his big band in the late 1930s on radio performances. The orchestra was formerly led by pianist Luis Russell and there are short spots along the way for trombonist J.C. Higginbotham, clarinetist Albert Nicholas, altoist Charlie Holmes and Bingie Madison on tenor. However, Armstrong, whether singing, playing trumpet or making announcements, is the star. Among the many selections that he performs are You Rascal You, Sunny Side of the Street, After You've Gone, Them There Eyes, Tiger Rag, I Got Rhythm and a guest appearance by the Mills Brothers on Nellie Gray. The show overall is quite rambunctious.

The second disc is particularly remarkable for it is drawn from private tapes of Armstrong reminiscing with frankness about the past, joking around with friends, and sometimes playing along with records including jamming with King Oliver's recording of Tears. Dating from the early 1950s to 1970, Armstrong talks about a wide variety of subjects, praising some musicians from the past (including his second wife Lil Armstrong, drummer Sid Catlett and cornetist Bix Beiderbecke), talking about how he did not enjoy his period with Fletcher Henderson and giving advice to some young trumpeters.

The more one learns about Louis Armstrong, the more admirable and heroic he becomes. This very important release makes one look forward to future CDs taken from his invaluable tapes.

-Scott Yanow