#GreatAlbums1950s - #LouisArmstrong – Plays W.C. Handy (1954). Armstrong sounds revivified and full of joy interpreting Handy’s seminal blues compositions – “St. Louis Blues,” “Memphis Blues,” “Yellow Dog Rag,” etc. Members of Pops’ small fifties combo – trombonist Trummy Young, clarinetist Barney Bigard, etc. – keep the soloing hot. Vocal trade-offs between Pops’ sandpaper voice and Velma Middleton’s smoother pipes enhance the jamboree feel of this classic set. #GreatJazzAlbums, #WCHandy, #Jazz