The trumpet and the bicycle, any connection? Not an obvious one per se, but think a moment. At the turn on the last century the field of music saw the birth of one of the world’s most foremost jazz musician’s, Louis Armstrong. In this century’s turn we see the sport of cycling dominated by yet another Armstrong, Lance, that is, (no relation, I can be quite sure!). Of course, the more intriguing connection might be between Louie and Neil, first man on the moon, Armstrong. It is as if the very name, Armstrong, suggests Herculean achievement! In the case of Louis Armstrong, to see the man sweat out a tune, the pure and raw sweat of joy was to see a mans soul exposed, and we all loved it!

Thankfully, my birth year allowed me to see his performances. Who wasn’t captivated by the man called Pops, or Stachmo? It was impossible. He’d get up there, take the mike, smile that big ‘ol Louis Armstrong, born on the 4th of July smile, talk a bit, and then sing. Just saying Satchmo, you can hear the voice, and it’s a voice you just don’t hear anymore. No imitator can capture it. No imitator came from the poor, crime-ridden section of New Orleans called Back o’ Town. That’s where the voice was birthed. New Orleans can be pretty rough today, can’t imagine what it was like in the early 1900’s!

Armstrong survived on the advice of his grandmother who’s desire to see him stay out of trouble was very keen. She said, "don’t steal, don’t lie, and don’t pick fights; but if someone picks a fight with you, stand up for yourself"! The advice carried over to his ambition and his musicianship. He was a team musician. He shied away from the spotlight as long as possible, until the spotlight simply was trained upon him. These recordings cover the remarkable period between the years of 1925 and 1928. Yes, three years, 89 plus recordings on 4 CD’s. Do the math, whether you use Louis self-proclaimed birthdate of July 4, 1900 or the researched date of August 4, 1901; he was young, very young. And he was magic! It is no wonder that anyone in jazz refers to him as "Pops"!

The recordings are of excellent quality. Consider that the originals came from old 78’s. Say what you may about digital, I think we are blessed with the technology to preserve the work of folks like Armstrong. Columbia/Legacy is to be commended for the fantastic gift of Satchmo that they have made available to the public. Though Armstrong passed in 1971, well before the majority of our great readers were born, the compilation is a must pickup for those that truly appreciate jazz from an era where the simplicity was primal beauty and the beauty was in the simplicity.

Despite what some may think, Louis Armstrong was a health freak. In order to keep pace with his heavy performing schedule he developed a daily routine. To keep his vocal cords fresh he drank a glycerin and honey combination when his throat felt tight. He always kept his mouthpiece in his back pocket when he wasn’t playing, to remind him to take care of himself. He went years without missing a single show. He followed a philosophy the kept him away from drug or alcohol abuses, "anything that’ll hinder me – out automatically", was his credo.

At an early stage of his career Satchmo knew he wished for long term sustainability, so, pretty soon after the period of time where these recording were created he left to go on his own. He set up a sign at the Sunset Club in Chicago that read, "Louis Armstrong, World’s Greatest Trumpeter". Soon enough he was a household name. He once said, "over the years you find you can’t stay no longer where you are, you must go on a little higher".

A thoroughly enjoyable listen by a remarkable American musician. No Hello Dolly or Wonderful Life on the set. Not needed. Enjoy!

*****