One of a handful of absolutely essential jazz collections, and at a bargain price too. With this four-disc set of
Armstrong's bedrock
Hot Five and Hot Seven sides, JSP throws down the gauntlet for labels reissuing early jazz (hats off especially to
John R.T. Davies for his superb remastering work). Covering the years 1925-1929, the 90 tracks include the complete
Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings (save for alternate takes) with
Johnny Dodds, Lil Hardin Armstrong,
Kid Ory,
Johnny St. Cyr, and others. Amidst a wealth of important cuts, the pinnacle standouts include "Cornet Chop Suey," "West End Blues" and "Weather Bird" (both with
Earl Hines), and "Struttin' With Some Barbecue." There are also several of Armstrong's first big band sides from 1929, not to mention a smattering of fine vocals by
Hoagy Carmichael and blues singer
May Alix (blues guitarist
Lonnie Johnson also chimes in). As good a place as any to start your jazz library.