Music aside (and there are many fine moments here), this two CD sampler is a real mess. Rather than reissue complete sessions or at least repackage the music in chronological order, the 36 selections are divided into four overlapping sections ("In the Beginning," "The Decca Sessions, Part l," "The Collaborations," "The Decca Sessions, Part 2" and range from sideman stints in the 1920s with clarinetist
Johnny Dodds and
Fletcher Henderson ("Shanghai Shuffle") to streaky big-band performances from the swing era, five vocal duets and commercial performances (including "Your Cheatin' Heart") from the 1950s. It is a real mish-mash (with some classics like "I Double Dare You" being overlooked) and
Armstrong's important Decca recordings deserve much better. Get the CD releases from the European Classics label instead.