180g Vinyl Reissue Remastered from the Original Analog Tapes by Bernie Grundman

This cornerstone 1960 collection showcases Louis Armstrong's fabulous tribute to Joe "King" Oliver, the man who not only helped shape his trumpet style back in New Orleans but whose invitation to join his band in Chicago put him in the spotlight for good. The All-Star album features tunes either written by King Oliver, or tunes that Oliver put his stamp on. The recordings have a more informal feel than Armstrong's other two "Plays" albums – Plays W.C. Handy and Satch Plays Fats - thus there is a good amount of straight-up blowing here as well. 

"St. James Infirmary" is taken at an incredibly slow and eerie pace, and when Louis comes back to repeat the main theme at the end, the effect is breathtaking. Louis sings a charming version of "Frankie And Johnny" accompanied only by an old-time honky tonk piano. "Jelly Roll Blues" is a beautiful take on the Jelly Roll Morton classic. "Chimes Blues" is deep and bluesy return to the tune Oliver and Armstrong first recorded way back in 1923. 

The title "Old Kentucky Home" may seem out of place, but musically the song fits right in, and when Armstrong prompts his band to sing along with him for a chorus, the result is rather touching. "Panama Rag" is a joyous up tempo romp, and "I Ain't Gonna Give Nobody None Of This Jelly Roll" is pure Satchmo fun.

Remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tape, pressed on 180g vinyl at Quality Record Pressings, and housed in a tip-on style jacket from Stoughton Printing.

Features:
• 180-gram vinyl reissue from Analogue Productions
• Remastered by Bernie Grundman from the original analog tapes
• Plated and pressed by Quality Record Pressings
• Tip-on style jacket by Stoughton Printing