Sold Date: June 4, 2022
Start Date: May 28, 2022
Final Price: $25.00 (USD)
Bid Count: 1
Seller Feedback: 672
Buyer Feedback: 5

HERE'S a unique side by LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRA from 1933: "SWING YOU CATS."

By this time, Louis' records had a tried-and-true format: A current popular song, played with a straight mute, then the vocal, then the spectacular open-horn for a big finish. Not THIS time! Louis generously gave the side over to his ace arranger and second trumpet man, ZILNER RANDOLPH, who wrote a progressive, uncompromising and, yes, swinging hot composition, which gradually and artfully introduced Louis' trumpet as part of the arrangement.  Louis hadn't made such a record, as a "sideman," since 1928, and wouldn't again until after World War II. It's a brave and bully thing, and I SO wish that Louis had had the artistic courage to make more sides like "Swing You Cats." 

(I really blame this on Joe Glaser, Armstrong's manager, who kept Louis to the tried-and-true.)  

As it turned out, Victor records held back the master for six years, until 1939, when hot, swingy, esoteric instrumentals were again in vogue.  So this Bluebird release is, in fact, the original.  A truly unique and great record. 

On the flip, "SNOWBALL," a new (1933) Hoagy Carmichael song, is more typical for Louis. Even so, he acquits himself spectacularly, as usual! It WAS issued when first recorded. 

This original 1939 Bluebird B-10225 is in clean E condition.  Lovely gold-print labels, and of course, it's master pressed.      

PHOTOS:  1) Louis Armstrong, 1933.  2) Zilner Randolph, ca. 1969. The only photo of him I could find! 

***** 

These records come from my private collection, which I have been accumulating since 1967, and now am downsizing!  My highest priority in these eBay auctions is to give you the best possible idea of a record’s true condition and aesthetic value.  I always post at least four clear images, showing the record fore and aft, a close-up of the label, and the whole disc, warts and all.  If my purple prose won’t cut it, the pictures will!  Shipping is done with expert care. Your record will brave Media Mail in a stout corregated box, between four sheets of cardboard and a couple of “packers.”  I hope you are amused by these descriptions, and by the quality of service being offered.