Honoring Louis Armstrong
Reaching, 2021
10/10
Listen to Honoring Louis Armstrong
John Redmon is a man with many talents, and here the pianist, singer, composer, arranger and motivational speakers pulls off a spot on Louis Armstrong impression where The Thomas J. Dawson Jr. iOrchestra handles the bulk of the instrumentation.
“Overture” starts the album with Redmon’s deep, husky vocals glowing in a brief commentary about many of the world’s problems in a bare, dreamy setting, and “Blessed Assurance”, with Committed on hand, follows in a soulful, powerful and soothing landscape.
In the middle, “When The Saints (Medley)” moves swiftly with a playful and danceable delivery as frisky drums and glorious trumpet sound incredible alongside the strategic backing vocals from the Fresh Start Baptist Church Male Chorus, while “O Danny Boy” offers a poetic slow burner of timeless, rare beauty that we previously thought only Armstrong could achieve. “Smile” then brings Charles Buie on vocals, as his smooth pipes unfold splendidly alongside the graceful keys and orchestral strings.
No Armstrong collection would be complete without “What A Wonderful World”, and here it’s as stirring as ever amid sublime sax prowess, and “Imagine” exits the listen with Redmon’s breathy storytelling illuminated by the sophisticated backdrop.
I feel quite certain that 99 out of 100 people, if they didn’t know better, would hear this and swear they were listening to Louis Armstrong. Yes, Redmon’s craft is that well executed, and thankfully the divine musicianship is equally well done on this amazing tribute record.
Travels well with: Charles Colizza Group- Hug The Devil; Alexander McCabe- I’d Prefer