Solid!

Louis Armstrong

Rhythm Saved the World

MCA/GRP

Louis Armstrong never really had an orchestra of his own. Instead, he borrowed outfits from other bandleaders. During the 1930s and 1940s it was mostly that of Luis Russell. Rhythm Saved the World is a collection of early Armstrong recordings made in the mid-1930s using Russell's orchestra (with the exception of the last two tracks). It was during this period that Armstrong developed the style that is most associated with him today. Getting away from the fast runs and the high notes of the 1920s he began to concentrate more on the melody. Part of the reason for this change was attributed to the lip trouble he had in the early 1930s, and part of is was due to the guidance of his new manager and his new label, Decca. Together they set the formula for Armstrong's work during that period, recording contemporary pop songs but also occasionally letting him rework one of his own specialties. The results produced a toned-down Armstrong, making him much more accessible to the general public, who was then engrossed in the swing craze. Armstrong's trumpet is still very recognizable and very much at the forefront, though his backing orchestra sounds like any other popular group from that day. They were only meant, however, to accompany him not to stand out on their own.

The songs presented on Rhythm Saved the World are standard fare, and Louis does his usual good job of making them a little more exciting with his horn, his gravelly voice, and his bright personality. Probably the most interesting number is ''La Cucaracha,'' not a song you would probably associate with Armstrong, who, after sticking to the traditional interpretation of the number, adds a very jazzy, upbeat ending. Other outstanding tracks include the swingin' ''I've Got My Fingers Crossed;'' the Armstrong original ''Old Man Mose,'' presented in two different takes; the mellow ''Falling in Love with You;'' Duke Ellington's ''Solitude;'' and the title track. Louis does some truly excellent trumpet work on ''Thanks a Million.'' ''On Treasure Island'' features some nice drum work by Paul Barbarin. And everyone is at their best on ''I Hope Gabriel Likes My Music.'' The final two tracks were recorded with a studio group that included Bunny Berigan and Dave Barbour and have a different feel than the rest of the album. They definitely seem much more alive, probably because the mixing is so much better (the engineers tended to push Russell's orchestra to the background on the first eighteen tracks). Both of these final numbers are excellent.

A good album documenting Armstrong's early Decca days, though many Armstrong traditionalists may cringe at its commercial slant.

Track Listing

• 1. I'm in the Mood for Love
• 2. You are My Lucky Star
• 3. La Cucaracha
• 4. Got a Bran' New Suit
• 5. I've Got My Fingers Crossed
• 6. Old Man Mose -- Take A
• 7. Old Man Mose -- Take F
• 8. I'm Shooting High
• 9. Falling In Love with You
• 10. Red Sails in the Sunset
• 11. On Treasure Island
• 12. Thanks a Million
• 13. Shoe Shine Boy
• 14. Solitude -- Take B
• 15. Solitude -- Take C
• 16. I Hope Gabriel Likes My Music
• 17. The Music Goes Round and Round
• 18. Rhythm Saved the World
• 19. Yes! Yes! My! My!
• 20. I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket