Louis Armstrong often said he was born on July 4, 1900. He actually came into the world he would later change for the better on August 4 of that year. But July 4th is considered to be his "traditional" birthday at the Louis Armstrong House Museum in New York, and why not? He was the quintessential American artist, ushering in swing, excitement and pure joy through his trumpet and voice to popular music in his day. It's hard to imagine not just jazz without his innovations or personality, but much of what came after his explosive early years in the music business.

There are, of course, many entry points into Armstrong's music. I might suggest, as many enthusiasts do, that you investigate his easily available Hot Five and Hot Seven recordings from the 1920s. Those vocal-intensive, commercially successful sessions with and without singer Ella Fitzgerald, from the 1950s onward, are universally adored for their warmth. There are boxes and gigabytes of Armstrong awaiting your discovery. And to add to it all, there's a new compilation chronicling the years somewhere between these periods, when his output was merely excellent as opposed to trendsetting or selling in the hundreds of thousands.


"The Complete Columbia and RCA Victor Live Recordings of Louis Armstrong and The All Stars" (Mosaic) covers global appearances from 1947-1958, and it's a revelatory, essential package. It's hard to believe that Armstrong was at odds with critics by the '40s, but his style and approach were no longer regarded as cutting-edge. Like many big band leaders of the time, Armstrong was forced by economic realities to scale down his touring groups. Armstrong faced the challenges head on, with accomplished smaller groups of musicians who ably supported his charisma while shining on their own.

Nine CDs is a lot of material, and it's a feat in itself how consistently open-hearted and exuberant nearly everything is here. Armstrong's trumpet chops amaze whether he's at New York's Carnegie Hall in 1947 or in Accra, Ghana circa 1956. The innovative clarinetist Edmond Hall is present for most of these sessions, and his virtuosity is an important asset to the success of the music.


Live music: Trumpeter Ambrose Akinmusire wraps up his weekend at Dazzle with two sets on Sunday; also on Sunday: longtime El Chapultepec saxophonist Freddy Rodriguez, Sr. will be honored at City Park Jazz. It's a free show, as always Natalie Cole performs at Denver Botanic Gardens on Wednesday; Tony Bennett sings at Jazz Aspen Snowmass on June 28; drummer Tootie Heath makes a rare Colorado appearance at Dazzle (with pianist Ethan Iverson and bassist Ben Street) July 9-10. Farewell to singer Jimmy Scott, who died in Las Vegas on June 12 at the age of 88. His deeply felt and haunting vocals were uniquely beautiful in the world of jazz. Thank you for your music, Jimmy.