The awesomeness that is Louis Armstrong and his All Stars in 1956. Velma Middleton features prominently as the badass performer she was. Image stoled from here. Looks like Kid Ory in the background on trombone, but I could be (and probably am) mistaken.
I have a bunch of this All Star action from Armstrong, but I rarely DJ it. It is fully sick, though.
This version of All that meat (and no potatoes) is ok, but not fabulous.
They do a version of Reckless Blues which I quite like. The interesting thing about that song is that Armstrong first recorded it with Bessie Smith in 1925, then again with Middleton in 1957.
Just to demonstrate Middleton’s awesomeness, here she is with Luis Russell’s orchestra in 1942:
Armstrong and Middleton for the win
WOW!!! i had heard her, but i hadn’t seen her perform.
I believe the trombone player is James Young, who is mentioned in “Now You Has Jazz” in the film High Society.
Just for accuracy’s sake, the trombonist behind Louis in that glorious picture is his main man for about fifteen years, Trummy Young, who is an underacknowledged pioneer in assertive jazz trombone playing — he played and sang with Jimmie Lunceford’s Orchestra in the Thirties and Forties. And if you like Janet Klein’s singing, may I direct you to the work of Barbara Rosene? She has a lovely voice and does a good deal of hot and witty Twenties material, superbly.
Thanks for adding me to your blogroll! Cheers, MS of Jazz Lives
Hello friends –
Yes, Velma was teh orsm. I remember reading somewhere that though she wasn’t the very best singer in the world, Louis was very loyal and wouldn’t let her go. I like this story, but I’m not sure how true it is. Velma isn’t the best singer, I don’t think, but I like the relationship she and Louis have in their recordings.
Ok, so I’m 100% wrong on that trombonist – I like to think everyone is Kid Ory. I think I’m going to go with Michael’s punt, Ann; Trummy Young would be the more obvious choice. But considering I don’t know where this photo was taken, or when (though I’m guessing Chicago in 1956 would be enough detail for a reasonable guess), and I only have one Armstrong song from 1956 (!)…
Hey, no wucks re the blogrolling, Michael. I was just about to comment on your Les Red Hot Reedwarmers’ entry: it pushed me to Jazz By Mail where I bought both their CDs! I