Louis Armstrong, Oscar Peterson

In the mid-fifties, Norman Granz’ decision to change Louis’ studio environment was greatly welcomed by the jazz world. The producer replaced Satchmo’s All Stars with the Oscar Peterson Trio plus Louie Bellson on drums on a number of sessions; set up the vocal partnership of Louis with Ella Fitzgerald on others, and even produced a whole “conceptual album” with selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, arranged and conducted by Russell Garcia. All five projects are deservedly recognized among Louis’ best records ever.