"What a Wonderful..." CD this is!

Louis Armstrong may not have had the smooth and refined voice of Bing Crosby, and he wasn't concerned about charting unexplored musical territory, but his warmth and sheer love of music made Satchmo one of America's musical legends. Although Armstrong will perhaps be best remembered as a great jazz trumpet player, he was also a wonderful vocalist whose gruff voice could draw listeners with its honesty and friendliness.

MCA's "The Best of Louis Armstrong" -- part of the label's 20th Century Masters -- The Millennium Collection -- is a seemingly modest 10-track selection of Armstrong's vocal-and-trumpet songs recorded over a 19-year period (1949-1968). Some are familiar to Broadway and movie buffs (Armstrong appeared in the film version of "Hello, Dolly!" starring Barbra Streisand, and "What a Wonderful World" is heard in Robin Williams' "Good Morning, Vietnam"). Other songs, such as "Blueberry Hill", may be associated with such singers as Fats Domino, but Satchmo takes them and makes them his own. Particularly appealing are his rendition of "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "Gone Fishin' " (which features a vocal duet with another American musical legend, Bing Crosby).

This CD is great for any fan of jazz or popular vocal music, but it is especially valuable to new listeners who have yet to discover the legendary Satchmo's rich musical legacy. It's a great introduction to America's truly native musical form, and it's a worthy tribute to one of the country's best known (and best-loved) musical ambassadors.

Dream a little dream with this CD

The first time I heard Louis Armstrong's music was in the movie "The Five Pennies." I was watching it at home on a black-and-white TV set with my stepfather and when I heard Armstrong's trumpet playing I found myself paying closer attention to the Danny Kaye movie. Ever since then, when I hear the great "Satchmo," I smile and remember that first moment when I discovered my love of his jazz music.

The Best of Louis Armstrong, part of MCA's 20th Century Masters series, has a playing time of less than 30 minutes, yet its 10 memorable songs are captivating and hold me in their enchantment. Although I like all 10 songs, I'm particularly fond of "What a Wonderful World," "Dream a Little Dream of Me," "Blueberry Hill," "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," and especially the funny duet with Bing Crosby, "Gone Fishin'." The first four always put me in a romantic mindset, while "Gone Fishin' " brings back memories of never finding my dad at home because he had "gone fishin'."

The sound quality of this recording is excellent, and I believe that this is a good introduction to Louis Armstrong's music for those who have not yet discovered him.

That one and only

Louis Armstrong has one of those voices that no matter what you are doing, when you hear him sing, you know its him. The distinctiveness and depth of his voice is undeniable. It is a good thing this is a CD and not an album, because it would be worn out by now if it were an album.