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Title Okeh 8597 | Fireworks | West End Blues
Date 1928
Okeh 8597 | Fireworks | West End Blues

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Description

This is an Okeh Records 78 rpm shellac disc, catalog number 8597, and it holds landmark significance in jazz history: "West End Blues," composed by Joe "King" Oliver, was recorded by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five on June 28, 1928, in Chicago. Armstrong's unaccompanied trumpet introduction on this track is widely regarded as one of the most influential and virtuosic openings in recorded jazz, helping to establish the trumpet solo as a central expressive device in jazz performance and cementing Armstrong's reputation as a transformative soloist.

 The reverse side of this disc contains "Fireworks," also recorded by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five during this same era. The personnel on these Hot Five recordings typically included Louis Armstrong on trumpet and vocals, Earl Hines on piano, Fred Robinson on trombone, Jimmy Strong on clarinet, Mancy Cara on banjo and vocals, and Zutty Singleton on drums.

The record is presented in its original Okeh paper sleeve, which is emblazoned with the slogan "Okeh - The Record of Quality" alongside a stylized illustration of a drum, violin, and horn, along with promotional text praising the label's recording quality and fidelity. 

The visible label side of the disc bears the classic red and gold Okeh design and identifies the recording as "West End Blues" (Oliver), performed by Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five, listed as a Fox Trot. The label includes the matrix number 400967 and additional print reading "Made and Printed in USA," "Jan. 21st," and standard copyright and manufacturing notices from the Okeh Phonograph Corporation.

 

Location Chicago, IL