The 1949 Louis Armstrong All-Stars recorded very little in the studios despite their rise to great popularity and the rather notable personnel: Armstrong, trombonist Jack Teagarden, clarinetist Barney Bigard, pianist Earl Hines, bassist Arvell Shaw, and drummer Sid Catlett (who would be leaving the All-Stars after this engagement). Fortunately they were captured live in concert and frequently on the radio. This CD has the sextet during their stay at the Hollywood Empire, broadcasting on the radio. Armstrong's usual repertoire of the period is featured, including "Panama," "Back O'Town Blues," "A Song Was Born," "Mahogany Hall Stomp," and "Rockin' Chair." In addition, there are individual features for the other musicians, including Velma Middleton singing "Don't Fence Me In," Bigard on "C Jam Blues," Teagarden on "A Hundred Years From Today" and "Lover," and Earl Hines romping on "Boogie Woogie on St. Louis Blues." Despite the fact that even by 1949 much of the material was not fresh, Satch and his sidemen all sound quite enthusiastic. (Scott Yanow)