[Tradjazz] Louis Armstrong - Was cornet vs. trumpet

[Steve Barbone]

"Roy Ellis" <rellis238 at cox.net> wrote:

> Hi Everyone,
> 
> After reading all the answers to your query, I think I know the answer as to
> the difference between the cornet and a trumpet, but I must say it got a
> little hard to remember everyone's opinion.  I do know though, that when I
> hear Bix, Bobby Hackett and Wild Bill play the cornet, I much prefer it to
> the trumpet. I'm sure I am one of the few OKOMS that doesn't particularly
> like Louis Armstrong.  After saying that, I expect to be drummed out of the
> club as he is idolized by so many fans, but have mercy on me.
> 
> Roy E.

It's OK, as a fan, not to particularly like Louis Armstrong but remember
what Dizzy Gillespie said about him, circa 1970 or so at the New Port Jazz
Festival:

"If it hadn't been for Louis, there wouldn't have been none of us. I want to
thank Louis Armstrong for my livelihood."

And Ruby Braff remembered Louis Armstrong: "Whatever you play, you go to the
university of Armstrong for the rest of your life, and you never graduate."

Miles Davis also said that no matter what you play in jazz, you owe a debt
to Louis and can't help but play something he played before you.

As for me, a journeyman jazz musician, I give the man his due. As I see it,
he was the most creative and influential soloist in jazz for, at the very
least, the first half of the 20th century.

Cheers,
Steve Barbone