The Complete Louis Armstrong Decca Sessions 1935-1946 Mosaic #243 [Limited Collectors Edition, Original Recording Remastered, Box Set]
The year was 1935. Louis Armstrong had recently exhausted his immediate performing opportunities in front of European jazz audiences, having done the circuit and slayed 'em all. That year, his life changed in a few significant ways. He signed with Decca Records, a new company looking to make records fast that could be sold inexpensively and turned into hits. Louis loved all kinds of music and was more than willing to oblige. Refreshed and invigorated, Louis made the biggest change of all - he started making the most popular music of his life; the records that would turn him into an international sensation. This is the first-ever major retrospective of this period. For the most part, the recordings represent Louis leading the big band. Never had Louis sounded more secure, more hip, or more like a star. His example was an important beacon that popular standards were a legitimate repertoire for significant jazz stylists. Some of the performances are among the most significant of his life and a lasting gift to music - there isn't a trumpeter since who hasn't marveled at the brilliance of his tone, coherence of his soloing, and perfection of his execution on the 1938 "Struttin' With Some Barbecue." It is plain and simple, a flawless record. For this release, we went back to the original sources - Decca's metal parts and lacquer discs - and lovingly restored and remastered everything to Mosaic's exacting standards. Our seven-CD set delivers 166 tracks, including rare alternate sides. The collection includes our exclusive booklet with a number of rarely-seen session photographs; an essay by noted jazz historian Dan Morgenstern; a complete, corrected discography of the sessions clearing up a number of published errors; and all seven CDs, beautifully packaged in our distinctive Mosaic box.
Format: Audio CD
{"Package Dimensions": "13 x 4 x 2 inches; 0.01 Ounces", "Manufacturer": "Mosaic Records", "Date First Available": "May 16, 2011", "Label": "Mosaic Records", "Number of discs": "7"}