Características
This album consists of six pieces from the famous Town Hall concert of 1947, as well as encores of four others that, while perhaps not quite as famous as the former, are more than worthy of the listener's attention. Armstrong's playing was admirable in those days, and his presence had an invigorating effect on any musician who played along with him. Teagarden at no time played or sang better than ibid ("St. James Infirmary" in particular), but the same is true of Bigard, Vic Dickenson, Johnny Hodges, or any other musician who ghosts through these pieces.
The standard is very high throughout, but no one, no matter how well they play, can even come close to Louis' brilliance at the moment when he lets the first chorus of "Misbehavin'" ring out with such control and majesty that it seems like the flight of a seagull. Teagarden's playing is very good on this track, but sandwiched between Louis' solo and a fantastic introduction to his final chorus, he sounds almost boring in comparison. That being said, "Pretty Mama" is another tour de force with Louis playing a solo of the highest quality, both in terms of density and relaxation. The two tracks with Duke are full of interest. Hodges blows beautifully. Duke plays piano appealingly in "Journey" and Pops comes along with an inimitable blues song. "Snafu," a bop-like piece, doesn't quite suit Louis, but as usual he manages to get away with his trumpet . "Little Girl" and "Mahogany Hall" have a much simpler rhythm, and the style of Armstrong's playing is much closer to that of New Orleans than was common at the time. Ory provides a great chorus on the latter piece and the performance of the two drummers is exceptional.
But it's all good, and Armstrong's performance is so thoroughly brilliant and immensely entertaining that the purchase of this set should not be missed under any circumstances.
Louis Armstrong (tp, voc); Jack Teagarden (tb, voc); Neal Hefti (tp); Kid Ory (tb); Johnny Hodges (as); Don Byas (ts); Jimmy Hamilton (cl); Johnny Guarnieri, Billy Strayhorn, Duke Ellington, (p); Bud Scott (g); Red Callender (b); Sid Catlett, Cozy Cole, Sonny Greer (dr); u.a.
Side 1
1. Rockin' Chair
2. Ain't Misbehavin' (I'm Savin' My Love for You)
3. Back O'Town Blues
4. Long Long Journey
5. I Want A Little Girl
6. Mahogany Hall Stomp
Side 2
1. Pennies From Heaven
2. St. James Infirmary
3. Save It, Pretty Mama
4. Someday You'll Be Sorry
5. Sugar
6. Snafu