In the summer of 1968, Louis travelled to England just weeks after knocking The Beatles off the number one spot in the UK charts with ‘What A Wonderful World’ and entered the BBC’s London studios to record a performance, that was “full of vitality and joy”, that manifested some of the most inspired singing and trumpet playing of his career.

First broadcast on 22 September 1968 as BBC TV’s Show Of The Week – Louis Armstrong, the session poignantly proved to be Armstrong’s last great performance. From the moment Armstrong received a copy of the 1968 London recording, he became determined for the world to hear this music, affixing a note to the outside of the tape box on which he wrote, “For The Fans.”

He made copies of the BBC concerts for his own pleasure; sent copies to friends; and whenever he received visitors he would play them the tapes – he could have chosen any of his recordings, including those with the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, but instead he returned again and again to the recording from the BBC session in the summer 1968.

For more information visit louisarmstrong.lnk.to/LouisinLondon

Tracklist:

When It’s Sleepy Time Down South

(Back Home Again) In Indiana

A Kiss To Build a Dream On

Hello, Dolly!

Mame

You’ll Never Walk Alone

Ole Miss

Blueberry Hill

Mack The Knife

Rockin’ Chair

The Bare Necessities

What a Wonderful World

When The Saints Go Marching In

Louis Armstrong: trumpet, vocals

The All Stars:

Tyree Glenn: trombone | Joe Muranyi: clarinet

Marty Napoleon: piano | Buddy Catlett: bass

Danny Barcelona: drums

from www.jazzwise.com