Louis Armstrong - 1949 1950

Review by Sara Paxton

Louis Armstrong's album 1949 1950 is a timeless masterpiece that showcases the legendary jazz musician's unparalleled talent and style. Released in 2003, this compilation album features some of Armstrong's most iconic recordings from the late 1940s and early 1950s, including "La Vie En Rose," "Mack the Knife," and "A Kiss to Build a Dream On."

The album opens with Armstrong's signature raspy voice and unmistakable trumpet sound on "La Vie En Rose," a romantic ballad that he made famous in both French and English. The track sets the tone for the rest of the album, which features a mix of upbeat swing tunes and soulful ballads that showcase Armstrong's versatility as a performer.

One standout track on the album is "Mack the Knife," a classic song from the musical The Threepenny Opera that Armstrong made his own with his unique phrasing and improvisational style. The track is a perfect example of Armstrong's ability to take a familiar tune and make it his own, adding his own personal touch and making it a jazz standard.

Summary by Sara Paxton

1949 1950 is a must-have album for any fan of jazz or Louis Armstrong. It captures the essence of Armstrong's music and serves as a tribute to his lasting legacy as one of the greatest musicians of all time.