Armstrong Louis - His Friends

Digitally remastered edition of this 1970 album from the Jazz great. Flying Dutchman label owner Bob Thiele wrote his big hit of 1968, 'What a Wonderful World'. Thiele designed this album as a celebration of Armstrong's 70th birthday, throwing a large party for him in the studio at the start of three sessions which began on 26 May 1970. This explains how the album's opening track, 'We Shall Overcome', features a chorus sung by, amongst many others, Miles Davis, Ornette Coleman and Leon Thomas. The rest of the album showcases Armstrong's selection of contemporary material, demonstrating he was a vital presence as he entered his eighth decade, and despite ill-health. The LP is particularly sought-after for his duet on 'The Creator Has a Master Plan' with Leon Thomas. It also includes a strident take of John Lennon's 'Give Peace a Chance' and Fred Neil's 'Everybody's Talkin'. It is a splendid ending to one of the greatest careers in music.