by Scott Yanow
Louis Armstrong's concert at Symphony Hall with his All-Stars in 1947 was a major success, featuring the trumpeter with vocalist/trombonist Jack Teagarden, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Dick Cary, bassist Arvell Shaw, and drummer Big Sid Catlett in particularly inspired form. This single CD reissues 15 of the 18 selections from the earlier two-LP set, dropping &How High the Moon& (which was mostly a bass solo), singer Velma Middleton's feature on &I Cried for You,& and (most regrettably) a definitive comedy vocal duet by Middleton and Armstrong on &That's My Desire.& Otherwise, the music (whose order has been partly shuffled around without any explanation) is intact. Highlights include Satch's superb vocal on &Black and Blue,& heated jams on &Royal Garden Blues,& &Muskrat Ramble,& and &High Society,& and Teagarden's feature on &Lover Man.& Joyous music.