Louis Armstrong: Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson

When Louis Armstrong signed as a recording artist with Verve Records, he was paired with the label’s leading artist, the Oscar Peterson's trio. This was in 1957, arguable one of the busiest years in Armstrong’s lengthy career. In 1957, Armstrong recorded his major Musical Autobiography, various Ella and Louis sessions, the Porgy and Bess album, and several other band releases. All of this while making his never-ending round of one-nighters. As id that were not enough, he was also contending with the reaction to his famous protest the treatment of African American students seeking to enter the Little Rock Central High School.

Ironically, many of Peterson’s fans saw this combination with Armstrong as a backward step. This was because Peterson had a reputation for an association with the top stars of the day. However, Verve and Peterson selected several songs that were new to Armstrong, moving him out of his comfort zone, forcing him to feel his way through some of these unfamiliar pieces and dig deeper vocally than he may have had to do for quite some time.

For the most part, this is Armstrong's record. Peterson’s trio plays a support roll, offering up catchy routines, but little or no solo contribution. This early attempt at a stereo recording placed Peterson in the left channel, the other band members in the right, and Armstrong and his horn dead center. Unfortunately, Armstrong sings too close to the microphone on occasion and oversaturates the tape from time-to-time. This produces some noticeable, yet fleeting distortion.

Billboard said at the time, “Here’s an interesting combination with solid commercial possibilities. Armstrong is at his best on a group of solid standards, while Peterson provides fresh tasteful backing.” One of the most memorable recordings is ‘Blues In The Night’. It comes complete with a beautifully balanced trumpet solo that is sure to cause you to take notice, pause, and relisten on multiple occasions.

TRACK LIST
1. That Old Feeling
2. Let’s Fall In Love
3. I’ll Never Be The Same
4. Blues In The Night
5. How Long Has This Been Going On
6. I Was Doing Alright
7. What’s New
8. Moon Song
9. Just One Of Those Things
10. There’s No You
11. You Go To My Head
12. Sweet Lorraine

This album featuring two jazz heavyweights is compelling, radiant, and certainly worth the investment. 💰

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