20th Century Masters: The Best Of Louis Armstrong (Millennium Collection) [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Louis Armstrong casts a long shadow over all of 20th-century American popular music, thanks in large part to the explosion of talent he displayed in the early part of his career--as an improvisational innovator, bandleader, and vocal stylist. By the time he cut most of the material included on this slight (less than 30-minute) set, he had comfortably settled into his popular persona, mugging and mopping his brow with a handkerchief. That's fine, of course, because Armstrong injects tremendous personality into even the most middle-of-the-road fare, such as "Hello Dolly," "What a Wonderful World," and "Gone Fishin'," a duet with Bing Crosby. Look elsewhere (for example, the budget priced JSP version of the Hot Fives and Sevens or any of Amazon.com's picks for his essential recordings) for the music that made him important. But these are songs that made him beloved. --Daniel Durchholz

Tracks:

What A Wonderful World
Hello Dolly!
Dream A Little Dream Of Me
Cabaret
That Lucky Old Sun
I Still Get Jealous
Blueberry Hill
A Kiss To Build A Dream On
Gone Fishin'
When It's Sleepy Time Down South

Amazon.com

Louis Armstrong casts a long shadow over all of 20th-century American popular music, thanks in large part to the explosion of talent he displayed in the early part of his career--as an improvisational innovator, bandleader, and vocal stylist. By the time he cut most of the material included on this slight (less than 30-minute) set, he had comfortably settled into his popular persona, mugging and mopping his brow with a handkerchief. That's fine, of course, because Armstrong injects tremendous personality into even the most middle-of-the-road fare, such as "Hello Dolly," "What a Wonderful World," and "Gone Fishin'," a duet with Bing Crosby. Look elsewhere (for example, the budget priced JSP version of the Hot Fives and Sevens or any of Amazon.com's picks for his essential recordings) for the music that made him important. But these are songs that made him beloved. --Daniel Durchholz

Customer Reviews:

Hello, Louis! But man, they sure didn't give you enough time on this CD..........2006-11-30

This CD boasts ten great hits of Louis Armstrong. The quality of the remastering and the sound is excellent; the liner notes offer a great essay about Louis' career and there are excellent photos of Louis Armstrong as well.

The CD starts with the beautiful classic "What A Wonderful World." I agree with the liner notes: only Louis Armstrong could sing this song and leave you with the unequivocal impression that our world really WAS a harmonious place in which to live. "Hello Dolly" is perhaps my favorite song on this CD because Armstrong handles this number with so much class. The song is certainly romantic and nostalgic; but Louis performs this song in an especially joyful way with a big band flavor that only Louis could do.

Other masterpieces on this album include the romantic "Dream A Little Dream Of Me;" the joyful "Cabaret;" "That Lucky Old Sun" and the classic ballad entitled "Blueberry Hill." There's even a splendid duet with Louis and Bing Crosby on "Gone Fishin'." Moreover, the CD ends beautifully with the song entitled "When It's Sleepy Time Down South."

The musical arrangements are wonderful throughout! Excellent!

Unfortunately, however, I am very disappointed that there are only ten relatively short tracks on this CD. The total running time is roughly 28 minutes--not even half an hour. The manufacturer certainly could have added at least two more songs to create a better value for customers. Therefore this will be a four star review instead of a five star review.

In short, this CD stands as an introduction to the great talents and sophistication of the late Louis Armstrong. I cannot call this a retrospective because none of Louis' work with his band mates called The Hot Fives and Sevens are on this CD. If you like this CD, I suggest you try the box set entitled The Hot Fives & Sevens, Satch Plays Fats: The Music of Fats Waller and The California Concerts which were recorded live during the 1950s.

Enjoy!

"What a Wonderful..." CD this is!.......2004-01-13

Louis Armstrong may not have had the smooth and refined voice of Bing Crosby, and he wasn't concerned about charting unexplored musical territory, but his warmth and sheer love of music made Satchmo one of America's musical legends. Although Armstrong will perhaps be best remembered as a great jazz trumpet player, he was also a wonderful vocalist whose gruff voice could draw listeners with its honesty and friendliness.

MCA's "The Best of Louis Armstrong" -- part of the label's 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection -- is a seemingly modest 10-track selection of Armstrong's vocal-and-trumpet songs recorded over a 19-year period (1949-1968). Some are familiar to Broadway and movie buffs (Armstrong appeared in the film version of "Hello, Dolly!" starring Barbra Streisand, and "What a Wonderful World" is heard in Robin Williams' "Good Morning, Vietnam"). Other songs, such as "Blueberry Hill", may be associated with such singers as Fats Domino, but Satchmo takes them and makes them his own. Particularly appealing are his rendition of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Gone Fishin' " (which features a vocal duet with another American musical legend, Bing Crosby).

This CD is great for any fan of jazz or popular vocal music, but it is especially valuable to new listeners who have yet to discover the legendary Satchmo's rich musical legacy. It's a great introduction to America's truly native musical form, and it's a worthy tribute to one of the country's best known (and best-loved) musical ambassadors.

Dream a little dream with this CD.......2003-09-13

The first time I heard Louis Armstrong's music was in the movie "The Five Pennies." I was watching it at home on a black-and-white TV set with my stepfather and when I heard Armstrong's trumpet playing I found myself paying closer attention to the Danny Kaye movie. Ever since then, when I hear the great "Satchmo," I smile and remember that first moment when I discovered my love of his jazz music.

The Best of Louis Armstrong, part of MCA's 20th Century Masters series, has a playing time of less than 30 minutes, yet its 10 memorable songs are captivating and hold me in their enchantment. Although I like all 10 songs, I'm particularly fond of "What a Wonderful World," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "Blueberry Hill," "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," and especially the funny duet with Bing Crosby, "Gone Fishin'." The first four always put me in a romantic mindset, while "Gone Fishin' " brings back memories of never finding my dad at home because he had "gone fishin'."

The sound quality of this recording is excellent, and I believe that this is a good introduction to Louis Armstrong's music for those who have not yet discovered him.

That one and only.......2003-03-09

Louis Armstrong has one of those voices that no matter what you are doing, when you hear him sing, you know its him. The distinctiveness and depth of his voice is undeniable. It is a good thing this is a CD and not an album, because it would be worn out by now if it were an album.

Another disappointing CD in this series.......2002-03-15