In Scandinavia, Vol. 1: 1933-1952

Personnel: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Louis Armstrong; Bob McCracken (clarinet); Peter DuConge, Fletcher Allen (reeds); Charles S. Johnson (trumpet); Lionel Guimaraes, Trummy Young (trombone); Justi Barreto, Marty Napoleon (piano); Arvell Shaw (double bass); Oliver Tines (drums); Velma Middleton (vocals); Barney Bigard (clarinet); Jack Teagarden (trombone); Earl Hines (piano); Cozy Cole (drums).
Recording information: Auditorium, Stockholm, Sweden (10/21/1933-10/04/1952); Copenhagen, Denmark (10/21/1933-10/04/1952); K. B. Hallen, Copenhagen, Denmark (10/21/1933-10/04/1952); Kungliga Tennishallen, Stockholm, Sweden (10/21/1933-10/04/1952).
This intriguing reissue has all of the existing music from Louis Armstrong's tours of Scandinavia in 1933, 1949, and the first part of his visit in 1952. These live performances are mostly previously unissued with the exception of the first three selections, which are part of an invaluable film featuring Armstrong in particularly brilliant form on "Tiger Rag." The next three numbers were performed by the same group a week later and are highlighted by a four-minute version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street." "Twelfth Street Rag" and "Steak Face" are all that exist from the 1949 visit, with the remaining ten selections being from a typical but generally enjoyable 1952 concert. In addition to such standbys as "Indiana" and "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," there are individual features for most of Armstrong's sidemen, with Satch often stealing the show when he joins in. "Bugle Blues" wraps up the set in joyous fashion. Although not essential, this CD will be enjoyed by Louis Armstrong collectors. ~ Scott Yanow