5. King Olivers Creole Jazz Band
I chose this track over all the other Louis Armstrong music that I might have proposed because I recently saw Ralph J. Gleason’s Jazz Casual interview with Louis from 1963. The extraordinary aspect of the conversation is that much of it consisted of Gleason playing Armstrong his own recordings while the camera remained on Louis’ facial expressions as he revisited the early highlights of his career. This performance with King Oliver was the most moving to behold as the older Armstrong smiled at the startling invention of his younger playing, while his words revealed deep respect for his mentor. They say the revolution will not be televised but this clip (and this record) prove that this old saying must have exceptions.
