Jazz charts

Review: Verve Records presents Louis In London, the last great performance by one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, Louis Armstrong. Recorded live at the BBC in July 2, 1968 - weeks after the artist broke the charts with 'What A Wonderful World', which has persisted in the popular sphere most notably due to its infamous inclusion in the Toy Story repertoire - this 13-track performance also hears stellar renditions of strong-armed Armstrong greats such as 'Hello, Dolly!', all performed with his renowned band The All-Stars.

Review: Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong came together first of all for their 1956 album Ella and Louis. Just a year later, the enduring jazz icons hooked up once more on Verve Records for the simply titled Ella and Louis Again. It was recorded at Radio Recorders and Capitol Studios in Hollywood and where their first album was all duets, this one features seven solo vocal tracks by either Armstrong or Fitzgerald amongst its dozen duet tracks. Louis only played trumpet on six of these tunes but there was such a vibe between the two artists that it was never seen as an issue.

Review: Christmas is a time for many things and to our mind, jazz is one of them. There is something warm and cosy about a gentle trumpet tune that makes any festive scene all the more vibey. And who could be better to soundtrack your season than the one and only Louis Armstrong. Louis Wishes You A Cool Yule arrives on suitably festive red vinyl and is the first Armstrong Christmas record ever. It offers up his holiday tracks as a coherent body of work that is a pleasure to behold from start to finish.

Review: Verve Records is set to release Louis in London, the final major performance by the legendary Louis Armstrong. Recorded live at the BBC just weeks after Armstrong topped the UK charts with 'What A Wonderful World,' this 13-track collection is made available on coloured vinyl, capturing Armstrong's vibrant energy as he performs with The All Stars on July 2, 1968. The collection spans his career, featuring everything from W.C. Handy's 'Ole Miss'' to hits like 'Mack the Knife' and 'Hello, Dolly!' This session, broadcast on September 22, 1968, on BBC TV's Show Of The Week - Louis Armstrong, was Armstrong's last significant performance. Armstrong cherished this recording, sharing it with friends and visitors, and now, more than five decades later, it's finally being released officially. With extensive liner notes by Ricky Riccardi, Armstrong's biographer, this album continues Armstrong's legacy of spreading joy and reminding us of the enduring beauty of his music.

Review: This collection compiles Louis Armstrong's entire collaboration with the Dukes of Dixieland, featuring their pioneering stereo recordings that captured Armstrong's iconic sound. Known for his brilliant trumpet and vocal performances, Armstrong tackled classic tunes like 'Dixie,' 'New Orleans,' and 'Sweet Georgia Brown'. Formed in the late 1940s, the Dukes of Dixieland stood out among Dixie bands of the era, benefiting greatly from early stereo recording technology. Armstrong joined forces with them in 1959, resulting in sessions that produced two albums but left additional tracks unreleased. This definitive edition compiles all recordings from these sessions and makes for a great listen that captures a vital time in jazz's evolution.

Review: Louis Armstrong had an unparalleled impact on American popular music. Verve Records now celebrates his legacy with an all-new collection featuring his greatest hits and most timeless recordings. This release complements Louis In London, which highlights the influence on jazz of a man known for his joyful presence and who once said he was on a mission to spread happiness - this collection underscores that purpose. His contributions shaped the course of music history and that can be heard here in these gloriously catchy and indelible jazz sounds, many of which are well loved by even those without a passion for jazz.