These two shows were made in Hollywood in 1943 to be broadcast exclusively to U.S. troops overseas during W.W.II.The two main acts on these programs are Louis Armstrong with a big band and Henry ”Red” Allen’s sextet, plus a couple of vocalists (Ivie Anderson & Jewel Paige), a couple of drum soloists (Lee Young & Paul Barbarin) and a couple of comedy skits. The 21 numbers on this one hour-long CD are being released here for the first time. The musical repertoire is largely dixieland and traditional jazz, along with some popular tunes of the day. On the first show, Louis Armstrong performs classic versions of On The Sunny Side of the Street and Dear Old Southland, as well as a hilarious comedy skit with Jack Benny and Eddie ”Rochester” Anderson. On the second show, Henry Allen performs with his long-time trombone colleague J.C. Higginbotham, together with a first-rate New Orleans rhythm section powered by Paul Barbarin and bassist Benny Moten.The show’s momentous climax teams top clarinetist Barney Bigard with Henry Allen and Paul Barbarin on Rug Cutter’s Swing.
LOUIS ARMSTRONG AND HIS ORCHESTRACHAR(13) + CHAR(10)Louis Armstrong – trumpet & vocal, Shelton Hemphill, Frank Galbreath, Bernard Flood – trumpet, George Washington – trombone & vocal, Henderson Chambers, James Whitney, trombones, Rupert Cole, Joe Hayman – alto sax, Joe Garland – tenor sax & arranger, Prince Robinson – tenorsax, Luis Russell – piano, Lawrence Lucie – guitar, Ted Sturgis – string bass, Henry "Chick" Morrison drums. CHAR(13) + CHAR(10)CHAR(13) + CHAR(10)HENRY "RED" ALLEN AND HIS ORCHESTRACHAR(13) + CHAR(10)Henry "Red" Allen – trumpet; J. C. Higginbotham – trombone; Don Stovall – alto sax; "General" Morgan – piano; Benny Moten – string bass; Paul Barbarin – drums. CHAR(13) + CHAR(10)CHAR(13) + CHAR(10)
Introduction and Theme: Great Day
On the Sunny Side of the Street
Leap Frog
Comedy Skit
Dear Old Southland
Drum Stomp
Stormy Weather
Ol’ Man Mose
Great Day [Closing Remarks]
Dear Old Southland
Introduction and Theme: Great Day
Harlem Stomp
I Can’t Believe That You’re in Love With Me
I’ve Got the World on a String
Tea for Two
Comedy Skit
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
Hip Hip Hooray
Drum Break
Rug Cutter Swing
Great Day (Sign Off)