This 15-song compilation of performances emphasizes
Armstrong's vocals and romantic material. Although the material spans 1929 to 1961, because of what Columbia has access to, the chronological balance is skewed; half a dozen tracks were done between 1929 and 1930, and the rest between 1955 and 1961, leaving a large gap between the two periods. It remains a rather pleasing and effective sampler of
Armstrong's most accessible qualities. The later cuts include five numbers from his Fat Waller tribute album
Satch Plays Fats, and two cuts from his The Real Ambassadors Album with
Carmen McRae and the Dave Brubeck Trio.
Velma Middleton adds vocals to a few songs, including the sole unreleased performance "Ko Ko Mo, I Love You So" from the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival. ~ Richie Unterberger