Listening Guide to West End Blues by Louis Armstrong

Arguably, Louis Armstrong is the best-known, most recognizable figure in all of jazz history, and certainly the earliest figure to be so well known. His stardom is international, due not only to his influential performing style, but also his contagious smile and infectious personality, on stage and off.

Known as "Satchmo" (a shortened form of "Satchel-mouth," another nickname) and later as "Pops," Armstrong revolutionized jazz by elevating the status of the soloist in the context of a jazz performance to new heights. Though he grew up in New Orleans and his ears had been fully saturated with the sound of its music, Armstrong's music could not be contained by this style. His tone was the brightest, his facility on his instrument the most superior, and his improvisatory ideas the most imaginative of any of his contemporaries. In short, Armstrong was jazz's first virtuoso on his instrument; people wanted to hear what he would play next. This emphasis on solo improvisation has remained a focus for jazz musicians ever since.

From the very first note of "West End Blues," a tune composed by Joe "King" Oliver, one can immediately sense the shift that was occurring in jazz through Armstrong's influence. From his introductory, fanfare-like opening to his solo later in the recording, Armstrong displays his power, range, and unique personality on the trumpet. Pianist Earl Hines is also featured.

This recording is considered a masterpiece, one of the singular performances in the history of jazz.

Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five: Louis Armstrong (trumpet, vocal); Earl Hines (piano); Fred Robinson (trombone); Jimmy Strong (clarinet); Mancy Carr (banjo); Zutty Singleton (drums)

Recorded in Chicago, February 28, 1928

The text of this Listening Guide comes from Ted Buehrer's "How to Listen to and Appreciate Jazz."

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