"West End Blues" has been the subject of countless articles and discussions, and Louis Armstrong's intro is often considered to be one of the defining moments of jazz. I'm not here to offer new insight. I just wanted to share the music.
Among the many musical gems I have relocated on recently found hard drives, were a series of compact discs I had put together for friends called "The Fest Companion." Starting in 2000 and continuing through at least 2008, as far as I can tell, I created a mix of artists that would be appearing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Then, about a week or so before we were all leaving for New Orleans, I'd mail them out to my select group so they'd have a soundtrack while they packed, prepped and checked their festival cubes. It was something every one looked forward to each year.
One of the Fest Companion's began with Nicholas Payton's version of "West End Blues" and concluded with Louis Armstrong's legendary recording. I enjoyed hearing both, especially comparing Payton's opening cadenza to Armstrong's, as well as the differences in the arrangements, with Louis' mournful dirge-like reading turning into a swinging big band shuffle, almost 75 years later on Payton's "Dear Louis" release.
If by some chance you are unfamiliar with this legendary tune, you are in for a treat, twice.
4 comments:
Thx! Have you ever posted a Fest Companion mix? I'm sure folks would enjoy it. I could listen to Louis Armstrong's Hot Fives & Sevens on a loop forever. Music that always astounds and I never need a break from. Sinatra, Dylan and the Beatles on that short list too.
I've posted about six Fest Companions.
Use the search up in the upper left to find them all
Both versions are glorious.
- Paul In DK
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