Louis Armstrong's stalwart bass player, Arvell Shaw lead this alumni band for several years after the Master's departure. This performance was recorded live at Hofstra University in Long Island, NY, in 1993. Featured here are Arvell himself on bass and vocals, Brian Sledge, trumpet and vocals, Joey "G-Clef" Cavaseno on clarinet, of Illinois Jacquet fame, Dennis Wilson of Count Basie fame, as well as pianist Lloyd Mayers, who replaced the Duke himself in the Ellington Orchestra after the Master's passing, and rounding it out we have the great Ray Mosca on drums.
Featured in the midst of all this great traditional jazz is none other that New Orleans' finest son, Wynton Marsalis, doing his own tribute to the great Armstrong, albeit in his own style. This is a recording of a truly excitingly vibrant evening of swinging music. Young stars Sledge and Cavaseno will remind you of Louis and Barney Bigard respectively, and Dennis Wilson does some fine plunger work. Pay special attention to the "Filthy Blues" where you may just hear Brian Sledge bring the battle to Wynton Marsalis, old school style!