These “gentlemen” apply their talents to a collection of songs made famous by legendary Crescent City trumpeter, singer, songwriter and son Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The selections will be familiar to most people with keen ears for New Orleans music. Likewise, the musicians heard on Struttin’ with Some Satchmo are all at the heart of this city’s jazz scene, often alternating between traditional and modern settings. They pay homage to Armstrong by using their own musical “voices” rather than trying to imitate his style.

As a trumpeter and vocalist, Leon “Kid Chocolate” Brown is naturally at the forefront on most tracks. He’s at his best on softer, more romantic songs like “Pretty Little Missy” where his sweet, seductive vocals are sure to appeal to his daughter. It opens with a light and appropriate piano by Paul Longstreth. Roderick Paulin’s clarinet matches the nature of Kid Chocolate’s voice well.

Most musicians agree that without a strong drummer on board, a band doesn’t stand a chance. Shannon Powell is just the guy for the job. Powell is much more than a timekeeper; he brings complexity and excitement to the whole album, as well as a real New Orleans flavor singing the chestnut “Basin Street Blues”.

It’s unfortunate that “(What Did I Do to Be So) Black & Blue” is performed instrumentally. The 1929 tune has been described as one of the earliest protest songs due to its poignant lyrics that address racism. Paulin’s tenor saxophone captures pain and grief.

Banjo master Don Vappie jumps into an Armstrong original, “Struttin’ with Some Barbecue,” which features brilliant trumpet work by Kid Chocolate. Guest vocalist James Andrews knows how to bring humor and improvisation, often important elements of traditional New Orleans jazz, to his vocals on “St. Infirmary James.

It is much appreciated that the credits of the composers of these tracks, too often glaringly absent on the releases, are included. Also a plus are the notes of author, historian and expert on everything Armstrong, Ricky Riccardi, who writes short and insightful essays on six of the tunes.
Struttin’ with Some Satchmo comes together as a comprehensive set that celebrates the legendary Louis Armstrong and New Orleans music past and present.