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When Tin was a baby people bought him Baby Mozart type DVDs and I couldn’t stand them and instead gave him a DVD of Louis Armstrong & his All-Stars in ’59. Last night, we video’d Tin watching the DVD last night as it has become a family favorite pass-time. T asked Tin if he was channelling Louis and I thought who better to be a mentor/hero to a musical toddler.

From the liner: Louis’ performance, aired on television in Belgium, catches the always entertaining Armstrong at a peak at this point in his career, as he suffered his first heart attack just over a month later and took it a little easier for the remainder of his performing career. Joined by trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Peanuts Hucko, pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Mort Herbert, and drummer Danny Barcelona, the cornetist delivers a familiar set list including his theme song, “When It’s Sleepy Time Down South,” pop favorites, his current hits, and classic jazz. Young provides a great foil for the leader, especially in their vocal duet of “Now You Has Jazz” and with their instrumental swordplay in a rousing “Tiger Rag.” Barcelona is featured in “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” resulting in a brief reprise of the tune after the enthusiastic audience response. Singer Velma Middleton is added for the hilarious duet with Armstrong of “St. Louis Blues” and “Ko-Ko-Mo (I Love You So).” The camera work and sound quality (using only a single stage microphone and another overhead) are excellent; there are a few tape glitches and occasional brief audio flaws, though they are easy to overlook. The tireless effort in remastering this long hidden video and Rob Bowman’s detailed liner notes add to the value of this essential Louis Armstrong DVD. ~ Ken Dryden, Rovi

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