With a music based on African-American folklore rooted in gospel and traditional blues, Louis Armstrong created a popular musical current of international, even universal appeal! His talent as a trumpeter, his charisma, his qualities as an entertainer and his generous personality forged his reputation. The reputation of a giant. Of a legend, far beyond the arts. Rooted in the tradition of New Orleans, Armstrong propelled the soloist on the paths of improvisation, which would eventually become the backbone of jazz. With Charlie Parker and Duke Ellington, he formed the Holy Trinity of modern jazz…
Released in the spring of 2018, Pops Is Tops: The Verve Studio Albums features four CDs: I’ve Got The World On A String, Louis Under The Stars (both with Russell Garcia’s orchestra), A Day With Satchmo and Louis Armstrong Meets Oscar Peterson, along with bonus tracks on each album. A set of tracks recorded in just a few days in August and October 1957. Back then, Armstrong was already considered as one of the most important musicians of the century. Even his discography was already gargantuan. These records were captured right after his duo albums with Ella Fitzgerald. Norman Granz had just taken over the Verve label and oversaw these sessions. The legendary producer was wise enough to provide his star with virtuoso musicians – great orchestras and small formations – and a five-star repertoire, giving his voice and his solos an unrivalled background. With Armstrong’s unmistakable raspy voice, any melody could reach sublime heights, and Pops Is Tops: The Verve Studio Albums is a constant reminder of that! © MD/Qobuz