Louis ArmstrongWest End Blues (3:11)

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About This Track

Everyday, somewhere, a trumpet or cornet player tries to render an emulation of Louis Armstrong playing the West End Blues. The version featured here is one of the older examples of Louis Armstrong playing the tune, probably with his Hot Seven in the 1930’s. Louis used the tune regularly in concerts. It is his introduction and first chorus are copied verbatim by better practioners of traditional New Orleans Jazz in the US and around the world making this likely the most emulated jazzwork of all time so far.

The West End Blues is often accredited to Joe “King” Oliver. King Oliver also was responsible for encouraging a young Louis Armstrong to follow him from New Orleans to Chicago. That move helped bring Armstrong to national attention long before the Twenties were over.

Louis recorded the West End Blues several times during his career. A good example of a mature Sachmo playing the tune can be found on the Columbia Ambasador Satch LP/CD.

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Albums featuring this track

  • Greatest Hits
    Louis Armstrong Play
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  • Stardust
    Louis Armstrong Play
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  • Jazz Hits
    Jelly Roll Morton Play
    Buy
  • Hot Fives and Sevens (disc 3)
    Louis Armstrong Play
    Buy
See all 161 albums

Shouts

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  • KevinKevnQuevin

    This is featured in a very beautiful scene from the film "Killer of Sheep."

    23 days ago
  • oldiesfanjohn

    great piano solo..great horns...great tune

    March 2012
  • gibeti

    wonderfull louis

    October 2011
  • Vorsorken

    The 1928 version with Earl Hines on piano has probably the most amazing piano line I've ever heard. That long descending set of chords at the end with glissando melting them together perfectly...

    March 2011
  • yu00

    magical...

    February 2011
  • LondonLouis

    Have been brought back to this track (thanks to woca). Remains superb. Should be in any serious music lover's library.

    January 2011
  • juanchopepe2

    dua dua dua di di :)

    November 2010
  • veldblom

    Verrrrrry special!

    August 2010
  • cyrone

    Makes ya just wanna get butt nekid and party

    March 2010
  • tudujoia

    this is the opening cadenza that will melt your face.

    August 2009
  • LondonLouis

    This has to be a Hot Five version from 1928, with Earl Hines on piano. The earlier Potato Head Blues was the track which really showed what Armstrong could do on the trumpet - but the start of West End Blues is equally impressive.

    May 2009
  • Tatuado_0

    Timeless Track. Just Awesome.

    April 2009
  • douched

    vucuttaki kimyasalları yeniden canlandıran eşsiz parçalar.

    January 2009
  • frivelli

    Não tem época. Imortal.

    January 2009
  • alfredo5

    amazing.

    December 2008
  • LondonLouis

    80 years on, this is still great.

    December 2008
  • abebopmana

    classic track

    December 2008
  • kaneth

    good ole Louis, this bowls for you.

    November 2008
  • nycowboy

    Wonderful!

    August 2008
See all 19 shouts

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