> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.thejazzsentinel.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # The Complete Louis Armstrong In New York 1924-1925 Out Soon - URL: https://www.thejazzsentinel.com/the-complete-louis-armstrong-in-new-york-1924-1925-out-soon/ - Published: 2026-08-02T01:47:26.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-02T01:47:26.000Z - Description: Mosaic Records brings together Louis Armstrong's complete New York recordings from 1924–1925 for the first time, offering an unprecedented look at one of the most transformative years in jazz history. - Author: Colleen Clark - Tags: Books and Culture, Louis Armstrong, Ricky Riccardi, Mosaic Records, Jazz History, Early Jazz, Historical Recordings, Record Releases ## ***The Complete Louis Armstrong In New York 1924-1925 Arrives Soon*** **The Complete Louis Armstrong In New York 1924-1925,** exclusively from Mosaic Records, documents a pivotal period before Armstrong became the global sensation bandleader and entertainer that he is still known to be in the present day. Spanning 134 tracks over 6 CDs, the limited edition set is accompanied by a 107 page hard cover book that offers historical information, descriptive analysis of tracks, complete discographical account and more, plus behind the scenes information on the process. *Mosaic Records* is providing the first ever collection of recordings from this period in Armstrong’s life in one place. --- [Subscribe to The Jazz Sentinel](#/portal/signup/free) --- Louis Armstrong, the true American Idol, continues to rule jazz history as the pinnacle of stardom. Through both his trumpet playing and his singing, Armstrong set the standard of what it meant to swing, improvise and entertain. Armstrong’s output heavily weighs on the 1925-1928 recordings of his Hot 5 and Hot 7 bands, helping to canonize the true New Orleans sound. Because of the weight of these recordings, some may be unfamiliar with the work leading up to those sessions. Armstrong’s output before he was a bandleader was consequential, but a little challenging to track down. For the steadfast fan and listener, patience was a virtue when researching and finding the earlier recordings (than the Hot 5s and 7s). Hearing these important recordings with then mentor Joe “King” Oliver helps us better understand Armstrong’s trajectory and sheer vision when improvising. This is evident with his work in the Fletcher Henderson band as well as the Cake Walking Babies. Not, until now, have these Armstrong recordings been offered in one succinct place. This will help listeners hear his artistic evolution unfold chronologically. The collection was produced with a team including Armstrong scholar **Ricky Riccardi**, Director of Research Collections at the **Louis Armstrong Center,** jazz historian **David Sager and Audio Restoration expert Doug Benson** to offer this exclusive CD set. Riccardi provided the 30,000 word track by track notes. Reflection on the 134 tracks provided in the box set, Benson said, > *Every project starts with a treasure hunt, collecting all the rough diamonds needed to complete the playlist. For this set, we needed to find 134 gems, including some alternate takes. Most of our wants were supplied by major collectors who graciously shared items from their archives. Some of them brought or sent physical discs to my studio for me to transfer and others sent digital files of transfers they had made themselves. All said and done, we did pretty well, as only five tracks needed to be sourced from previous reissues.* A highlight of the collection includes Armstrong’s playing on “Cake Walking Babies” with the Red Onion Jazz Babies. Riccardi has this to say about that particular recording from the provided liner notes: > *Armstrong plays a funky growl to announce his arrival and the main event is on! Armstrong’s aggressive variations on the melody initially seem to catch Bechet by surprise, but the older man soon starts running arpeggios up and down his soprano before taking a fine break. After more heated ensemble playing, Armstrong responds with an absolutely dazzling break that dwarfs Bechet’s effort.* > *Feeling good, both men hold the same note and swing into the final chorus—when Armstrong momentarily stumbles and garbles up one of his notes. Smelling blood, Bechet pours it on, his virtuosity overwhelming Armstrong in the ensemble before he pulls out all the stops in his final break, basically snarling through his instrument. Armstrong rallies strongly with another growling trill before the horns trade blows until the final bell sounds. It’s an epic recording, but in boxing terminology, honors would seem to go to Bechet by split decision. Such a fierce battle would necessitate a rematch, which would come early in the new year.* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c9/0f/c90f7176-f87c-41d8-ad09-68a06ea5c175/content/images/2026/07/Book-cover-e1785031977375.jpg) Back of the book cover from Mosaic Records' Press Release Exclusively for *The Jazz Sentinel* Riccardi had this to say about the launch of this latest box set collaboration with *Mosaic Records.* > For those familiar only with Armstrong’s early masterpieces with the Hot Five and Hot Seven, this set will be an eye (and ear) opener. Hearing Armstrong grow as a musician and develop his own voice during his 13 months in New York is positively thrilled—and he did it in the company of giants like Sidney Bechet, Bessie Smith, Fletcher Henderson, Coleman Hawkins, and many others. This is a historically important set and to have Mosaic give it the deluxe treatment, complete with hardback book and new sound restoration, is cause for celebration! (And I’d be saying that even if I wasn’t a co-producer!) For listeners curious about Armstrong’s artistic development, these historical recordings reveal the formation of the artist that would become the most influential voice in jazz. According to the [Mosaic website](https://www.mosaicrecords.com/product/complete-louis-armstrong-in-new-york-1924-1925/?ref=thejazzsentinel.com), pre-orders are available now. Only 2,500 CDs will be produced. ### **Pops is Tops!** [Share](#/share) --- ### Access all areas If you subscribe today, you'll get full access to the website as well as email newsletters about new content when it's available. Your subscription makes this site possible, and allows *The Jazz Sentinel* to continue to exist. Thank you! [Subscribe to The Jazz Sentinel](#/portal/signup/free) ---