GRADE B SATCHMO

Maybe you don't need this concept album in your collection.The problem with LOUIS is that his discography is so full of treasures,that one is almost forced to settle for those budget priced packages that often mix everything.By buying those,you are bound to reduce a musical genius to bits.Let me try to sell this one for you by saying that the concept of angels is very tastefully done,even if the songs are not all great.The choir adds to the fun,and during THE PRISONER'S SONG,LOUIS actually ask someone why this particular song got there.Remember this,there was only one SATCHMO and there are still out there tons of imitators.If LOUIS had actually married an angel,think of what the world had missed.

More music from heaven

On "Louis And The Angels" (1957) he is accompanied by the Sy Oliver Orchestra and Choir who lean on the pop side, but in this case it works just fine. Billy Kyle, an All-Star staple, is on piano. You still have Louis' fantastic vocal delivery and trumpet flourishes as well. The choir of course adds an angelic quality that puts these songs in a different light than Louis' straight "good ol' good ones" jazz recordings. There's romance here too, with "You're A Heavenly Thing", "When Did You Leave Heaven" and "I Married An Angel". Louis is right at home with these tunes. Another fine Verve reissue. Be sure and check out the companion re-issue, "Louis & The Good Book".