Rob Hudak

Today, August 4th, is the non-disputed* official birthday of New Orleans born Buddha-of-the-horn Louis Armstong (*I guess the historians have decided that he really wasn’t born on the 4th of July as was publicized and stated by Louis himself). In honor of this I am posting the track Savoy Blues which Louis recorded in 1927. This track is especially dear to me since it features my guitar hero Lonnie Johnson on a guitar solo, which I think was rare on these types of jass band tracks in those days. He’s accompanied by another guitar played by Johnny St. Cyr (who played banjo with none other than Mr. Jelly Roll Morton). Written by Kid Ory who’s heard playing trombone on this number, this track has New Orleans all over it (even though it was recorded in Chicago). So have a listen and smile along with Louis, cause we are a better world for having had him pass through.

“Savoy Blues” by Louis Armstong And His Hot Five

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