Louis Armstrong

 

Louis Armstrong is known as one of the fathers of Jazz. His distinct voice is recognizable across generations. Heralded as one of the greatest trumpet players, Armstrong’s music is as much enjoyable today as it was during his lifetime in the early to mid 20^th Century. Most of his compilations have a heavy Dixieland Jazz feel to it, except some of his duets. The trumpet is obviously the main instrument in almost all the songs I listened to. In “Muggles”, the trumpet and clarinet trade off in the middle for carrying the melody, but it quickly returns to the trumpet. Some other songs are the same as that, but the trumpet is still the highlight overall. Some things I found interesting were in the song “Knocking on a Jug”, the baseline is actually kept by what seems like tapping on a jug! Also in “Sugar Foot Strut”, the song starts with glass jars being used as drums and picks back up before Louis sings (I could not understand all the lyrics). It sounds as though they are playing in the street, which gives it a cool St. Louis feel. I really enjoy when Louis scats in duets, such as in “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” with Ella Fitzgerald. The trumpet is kind of a backup in this song too. It is heard, but the person singing is the main focus. Overall, I love Louis Armstrong!