ARMSTRONG, Louis.

Description

The Variety Club, Batley June 1968 concert program

Original vintage concert program produced for American jazz trumpeter and singer Louis Armstrong’s two-week stay at the Variety Club in Batley [England] from 17th–30th June, 1968. With a group that featured trombonist Tyree Glenn, clarinetist Joe Muranyi, pianist Marty Napoleon, bassist Buddy Catlett, drummer Danny Barcelona, and singer Jewel Brown, Louis Armstrong headed to England in June 1968 for a two-week stay at the Batley Variety Club in Yorkshire, playing in front of a packed house and receiving good reviews. Celebrating his 68th birthday on 4th July, Armstrong played a further four sellout concerts in London after his stay in Batley,  before heading back to the States. During his British visit Armstrong recorded two 45 minutes color TV films for BBC 2 and MCA released his new single “I Will Wait For You” from the French musical “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg”. All in all, 1968 was a good year for Pops after a miserable 1967, which was marred by bouts of ill health that forced him to cancel gigs, erratic studio recordings and the death of clarinetist, Buster Bailey.

In original illustrated uncoated wrappers, staple bound, 20.3 x 25.5 cm, 24 pp. Program notes by Max Jones. There is a diagonal crease to the bottom left corner on the back wrapper, else in excellent complete condition, tightly bound and clean. Additional images of the program available on request.