Louis Armstrong–Basin Street Blues, parts 1 and 2

“Basin Street Blues” was written in 1928 and has been recorded by just about everyone. In fact, Louis Armstrong recorded the number in 1928; however, we think that the best recording took place in 1953 by Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars: Louis Armstrong, vocal and trumpet; “Trummie” Young, trombone; Barney Bigard, clarinet; Billy Kyle, piano; Bud Freeman, tenor sax.; Kenny John, drums; and Arwell Shaw, bass.

Actually, in 1953, Louis Armstrong and His All-Stars recorded two versions of “Basin Street Blues,” the first version slow and the second version hot as a pistol. Taken together, the recording is iconic.