Pasadena Civic Auditorium June 20, 1956

AMG Review of Pasadena Civic Auditorium June 20, 1956

Ken Dryden
All Music Guide

Louis Armstrong was a huge international star who could easily fill any venue during most of his career; this 1956 performance with his All-Stars at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium features trombonist Trummy Young and clarinetist Edmond Hall, along with the perennially underrated pianist Billy Kyle, bassist Arvell Shaw, and drummer Barrett Deems, with vocalist Velma Middleton added for a few fun duets with the leader. The set list is a typical blend of New Orleans jazz, raditional jazz, swing and pop songs of the day. The sound quality is for the most part excellent, though Young's occasionally loud solos cause a bit of distortion. Kyle is featured with the rhythm section in a swinging treatment of "Perdido," while Hall is spotlighted in a lively take of "Dardanella." Armstrong is at his best throughout the concert and he obviously pleased the crowd throughout the evening.