Esoteric? No - just really weird.

One of Louis Armstrong's talents was to turn an otherwise unremarkable song into a classic. Unfortunately, his talent is stretched to the limit here by some kitschy arrangements and overwrought vocal accompaniment. Satch still manages to shine in a couple of numbers, though - notably Chim-Chim-Cheree and the Bare Necessities. I found my copy on sale in a clearance outlet for 99¢, and thought it was a pretty good deal for one of the stranger jazz albums I've ever heard.

Makes me and the baby happy!

We love to dance and unwind to Disney by Louis. The songs are my favorite Disney songs...back when Disney really was magical. We have really enjoyed this. Fun for road trips, too.

One Cut Makes This A "Must Have"

This cd is worth its price for one cut: The "Chim Chim Cheree" is one of the finest pieces of jazz in the 20th century. It is haunting and brilliant, done languidly, with brilliant and subtle changes of language (so Louis makes it his own), two great solos and scat singing. In short, in one piece, Louis showcases what he did for 20th century music.

If I'm raving, I make no apologies. By coincidence (if there is such a thing) this was the first piece of music that made me smile after 9/11.

The rest of the cd is below average, imo.