This superior double album contains his final big-band swing recordings (and two songs from 1956), along with all of his Victor small-group sides (which led to the formation of his All-Stars). One can readily understand why he broke up his orchestra for, despite Armstrong's fine singing and playing, the extra horns by the mid-'40s were operating as a dead weight, anonymously backing him. In contrast, the small group inspired Armstrong to some of his finest playing in years (he builds a long magnificent solo on "Jack-Armstrong Blues") and trombonist/singer Jack Teagarden proved to be a perfect musical partner on tunes like "A Song Was Born" and "Rockin' Chair." Fortunately the combo recordings are now available in CD format on Pops: 1940's Small-Band Sides. ~ Scott Yanow, AllMusic.com

Personnel includes: Louis Armstrong (vocals, trumpet); Jack Teagarden (vocals, trombone); Ernie Caceres (baritone, saxophone, clarinet); Bobby Hackett (trumpet, cornet); Vic Dickenson, Kid Ory (trombone); Barney Bigard, Peanuts Hucko (clarinet); Charlie Beal, Leonard Feather, Dick Cary, Johnny Guarnieri (piano); Allan Reuss, Bud Scott, Al Casey (guitar); Red Callender, Bob Haggart, Al Hall, Arvell Shaw (bass); Zutty Singleton, Minor Hall, Sid Catlett, George Wettling, Cozy Cole (drums).

Recorded between 1946 & 1947.

Liner Note Author: Dan Morgenstern.

Recording information: 04/27/1946-08/01/1956.

Illustrator: Mark Hess.