Tír Na HiFi

I feel a Louis day coming on here too...

I don’t believe Louis Armstrong ever surpassed his Hot Fives and Hot Sevens recordings from the 1920s. A cornerstone of any jazz collection and, if I could take a single Louis recording with me to my desert island, it would have to be the immortal Potato Head Blues. These recordings - as well as those by Jelly Roll Morton - are the bedrock upon which jazz was built.

Listening tonight to Brad Mehldau’s beautiful 4-CD set of live solo recordings entitled 10 Years Solo Live. It is an absolute delight from beginning to end, showcasing his creative invention as well as his tender lyricism , and an extraordinary exhibition of his improvisation skills. It is notable perhaps for the choice of repertoire which is equally divided between the Classic American Songbook (Rodgers & Hammerstein, Harold Arlen, Jerome Kern, Loewe & Lerner) and the Modern British/American Songbook (Jeff Buckley, Lennon/McCartney, Radiohead, Nirvana, Massive Attack, Sufjan Stevens, The Verve, Pink Floyd , The Beach Boys) but this cross-generational interest in repertoire is simply reflective of a man born in 1970 and who is not deaf to music of the last 50-odd years. Simply put, this box set is an an absolute treat and a genuine pleasure to savour at length. Very highly recommended.

I prefer black vinyl but this reissue has the most wonderful sound quality. Just stunning. It's about €18.99 (got mine from Spindizzy) and is a huge bargain.

mcq wrote: ↑Thu Apr 09, 2020 7:59 pm I don’t believe Louis Armstrong ever surpassed his Hot Fives and Hot Sevens recordings from the 1920s.

I couldn't agree more.