In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument
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Choral Arrangements of
Louis Armstrong
Known for his brilliant improvisation techniques both onstage and during recordings, Louis Armstrong became one of the Jazz movement's most important musicians. As his trumpet would cease, his voice would shine. Able to perform and improvise with his voice as much as with his trumpet, he laid the foundation for a long-lasting, ideal and charismatic career.
Born into the poverty of southern Louisiana, young Louis listened to music whenever he had the chance. The first instrument he learned to play was the brass cornet, which he obtained thanks to a small loan from another family. He even played in a few southern get-togethers and was astonished by the playing of Joe King Oliver, who was Armstrong's early inspiration.
By his latter teenage years, Louis Armstrong moved to Chicago to play with Oliver - where Jazz was hot and the hottest band was Oliver's. In these early and influential years, he was even a part of the band's recordings, where one can easily hear Armstrong's back-up cornet and snippets where Louis would be given a solo.
As the Chicago experience came and went, Armstrong saw greater opportunity in New York, where he would play the trumpet with the biggest Jazz band of the day, the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra. After his success in New York, Armstrong headed back to his beloved Chicago where he began recording his own songs - an eclectic mix of Jazz music. His first hits were Potato Head Blues, West End Blues and later in his career, he released Hello, Dolly, which topped the British charts followed by the charts in the U.S.
In 1929, Armstrong toured Europe and had profound success. When he came back to the United States, he relentlessly toured for the next three decades. He released such hits as What a Wonderful World, Stardust, and the catchy Dream a Little Dream of Me. His gregarious attitude and wide grin aided him during his onstage performances. People of all backgrounds loved his music. And, while no official autobiography was ever released, the development of his vocal recordings only caused his success to mushroom beyond his creative brass talents where everyone would recognize his distinct sound.
Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media
Displaying 1-6 of 6 items.
Libby Larsen : A Salute to Louis Armstrong This salute to the spirit of Louis Armstrong breathtakingly incorporates 'Basin Street Blues', 'Lady be good', 'Tiger Rag', 'When the saints go marching in', and more surprisingly excerpts from 'Clair de Lune' and from Brahms' A flat major Piano Serenade. It is in one movement, which may be performed on its own, taken from the choral suite Seven Ghosts. 
Tom Anderson : Basin Street Blues - Parts CD Recorded by American jazz legend Louis Armstrong here is a great teaching tool for introducing blues styles to your younger choirs. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed 2-Part VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:25.
Kirby Shaw : Cool Yule Recorded by Louis Armstrong, this is one of those hard-to-find swingin' Christmas tunes arranged for vocal jazz groups. With hip comic lyrics, this light-hearted tune will definitely add the right kind of spirit to the season!Available separately: : SATB, SAB, SSA, 2-Part, Instrumental Pak (parts for Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 1:55.
Mark Hayes : What a Wonderful World Though recorded by many artists, Louis Armstrong's 1968 rendition made this a hit and established it as a standard. The optimistic message regarding the future is beautifully captured in this orchestrated choral with lush and full harmonies and will certainly become a classic for your own choir. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Full Orchestration Parts and Score, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 4:10.
Mark Brymer : What a Wonderful World Louis Armstrong's inspirational ballad of hope for a better world. Quite suitable for both concert and pop ensembles. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm, syn). Duration: ca. 2:20.
Russell L. Robinson : What a Wonderful World Few songs ever become hits as this one did for Louis Armstrong. He defined a style of music all his own and yet influenced every style existing to this day. Russ Robinson has done an incredible job of bringing all of these elements to life in this arrangement of the famous song. Done with optional trumpet solo part, the piece is truly becoming of Satchmo. All three voicings are beautiful and will touch the hearts of any audience. |
Displaying 1-11 of 11 items.
Recorded by American jazz legend, Louis Armstrong, here is a great teaching tool for introducing blues styles to your younger choirs. Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part, VoiceTrax CD. Duration: ca. 2:25.
Arranger: Tom Anderson | Composer: Spencer Williams Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Now available in an SSA voicing. Recorded by Louis Armstrong, this is one of those hard-to-find swingin' Christmas tunes arranged for vocal jazz groups. With hip comic lyrics, this light-hearted tune will definitely add the right kind of spirit to the season!Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, 2-Part, Instrumental Pak (parts for Trumpet I & II, Tenor Sax, Trombone, Guitar, Bass and Drums) and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 1:55.
Arranger: Kirby Shaw Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Known for his unique pairing of songs, Craig Hella Johnson has creatively combined the early contemporary Christian song by Larry Norman and Randy Stonehill with the popular favorite from the '60s. A wonderful and inspirational closing number or encore for mixed, treble and male choirs!
Arranger: Craig Hella Johnson Performed By: Louis Armstrong
(Artman) 2-part
Arranger: Ruth Artman | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
First recorded by Louis Armstrong, What a Wonderful World was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. This arrangement captures the joyful spirit of the song while using limited ranges, making it a great choice for any mixed ensemble.
Arranger: Tripp Carter | Composer: George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Rene Clausen provides a most sensitive arrangement of this timeless standard. Beautiful harmonies entwine around the familiar melody captivating the listener.
Arranger: Rene Clausen | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Though recorded by many artists, Louis Armstrong's 1968 rendition made this a hit and established it as a standard. The optimistic message regarding the future is beautifully captured in this orchestrated choral with lush and full harmonies and will certainly become a classic for your own choir. Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part, Full Orchestration Parts and Score, StudioTrax CD. Duration: ca. 4:10.
Arranger: Mark Hayes | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Written for and first performed by Louis Armstrong, this popular standard rejoices in the simple enjoyment of everyday life. Introduce your young singers to this timeless song of hope for the future. Discovery Level 2 Duration: 3:00, Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and VoiceTrax CD.
Arranger: Ed Lojeski | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong's inspirational ballad of hope for a better world. Quite suitable for both concert and pop ensembles. Available separately: SATB, SAB, SSA, 2-Part, ShowTrax CD. Combo parts available digitally (gtr, b, dm, syn). Duration: ca. 2:20.
Arranger: Mark Brymer | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Few songs ever become hits as this one did for Louis Armstrong. He defined a style of music all his own and yet influenced every style existing to this day. Russ Robinson has done an incredible job of bringing all of these elements to life in this arrangement of the famous song. Done with optional trumpet solo part, the piece is truly becoming of Satchmo. All three voicings are beautiful and will touch the hearts of any audience.
Arranger: Russell L. Robinson | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Written for and first performed by Louis Armstrong, this popular standard rejoices in the simple enjoyment of everyday life. This lush setting is perfect for SSAA ensembles from high school and up.
Arranger: Audrey Snyder | Composers: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss Performed By: Louis Armstrong
Louis Armstrong Solo Arrangements
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