Christmas and Hits Duos [Box]

Performer: Louis Armstrong
Artist: Benny Carter & His Orchestra; Gordon Jenkins & His Orchestra; Dinah Washington; Mel Torme; Jud Conlon Rhythmaires; Peggy Lee; The Commanders; Lionel Hampton; Sonny Parker; Eartha Kitt; Duke Ellington & His Orchestra; Lena Horne; Louis Jordan; Ella Fitzgerald; Bing Crosby
Distributor: Universal Distribution

Notes: In one sense, this double-disc collection is merely a way to package two well-known albums in a sleeve and sell them again, an inventory clearing, if you will. On the other hand, it's a great opportunity to pick up two excellent collections by Louis Armstrong that you'd more than likely buy separately if you saw them at the right time. It might also be the perfect Christmas gift for the person you want to hip to Satchmo's particular blend of genius and magic. One set needs little explanation, which is The Definitive Collection. Containing 24 cuts, it has virtually every hit and well-known number that Armstrong recorded for Universal-affiliated labels such as Verve. It also includes a pair of fine duets with Ella Fitzgerald and Bing Crosby on "Our Love Is Here to Stay" and "Gone Fishin'," respectively. Virtually everything else a novice would want is right here as well, including "What a Wonderful World" and the vocal remakes of the original New Orleans hits. The Christmas disc is a real treat because it feels like a complete hoot from start to finish. Satch is featured as a soloist (such as on the album opener, "Christmas in New Orleans" with the Benny Carter Orchestra), in duets with pals like Mel Torm� on his standard "The Christmas Song" andLena Horne on "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town," fronting the Duke Ellington Orchestra on "Jingle Bells," and leading his own Commanders. Other nice treats include his duet with Peggy Lee on "It's Christmas Time Again" and burning down the house with Louis Jordan on "May Everyday Be Christmas." This is a great holiday offering and should be in everyone's collection. Together these sets are hard to beat. ~ Thom Jurek

Trumpeter/vocalist Louis Armstrong is perhaps the single most influential artist in the history of jazz. He started out in the "hot" bands of 1920s New Orleans, and was one of the first to introduce solo improvisation into the jazz idiom. Over the next several decades, his style altered little, but his disciples were legion. Armstrong, affectionately known as "Satchmo," was among the most loved figures in American popular music; his prolific recording career, along with the timeless nature of his work, ensures that his legacy will continue.

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