Louis Armstrong, Go Down Moses | Throwback Vibez

In the 4^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Go Down Moses” by legendary jazz musician, Louis Armstrong. 

The vibes, the vibes, those Throwback Vibez ! Throwback Vibez is a column that celebrates awesome songs from the past.  The records that grace this column are older, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re ancient – no fossils ! All genres of music are welcome. In the 4^th edition of Throwback Vibez (2024), we recollect and reflect on “Go Down Moses”, performed by Louis Armstrong. 

“Go down Moses / Way down in Egypt land / Tell old Pharoah / To let my people go!” “Go Down Moses” is a traditional, African American spiritual – we don’t know who composed it.  However, Sy Oliver plays a pivotal role in the arrangement that the late, great Louis Armstrong (1901 – 1971) performs on his 1958 album, Louis And The Good Book.  The Sy Oliver Choir are the first voices heard on this Milt Gabler-produced recording, singing the excerpted lyrics dramatically and expressively.  This precedes both the swinging groove and Armstrong entering the mix.

With a groove established, Louis Armstrong wows with his bass singing voice.  He takes over the lead, in commanding fashion, while the choir embraces their role as the response.  “Oh, when Israel was in Egypt land,” he sings, with the choir answering, “Let my people go!” While “Let My People Go” still has gospel vibes, Armstrong is true to self, bringing those jazzy, traditional pop vibes.  He never forces things, performing authentically and true to self.  Beyond delivering a nuanced performance, over the course of three verses, him and The All Stars deliver a sweet instrumental performance near the end (in a contrasting key), in a Dixieland style. His trumpet playing is dynamic and exuberant, blending superbly with the spirited clarinet, and the saucy trombone.  Meanwhile, Sy Oliver’s Choir continues shine with their haunting harmonies. “Go Down Moses” in the hands of Louis Armstrong = masterpiece.

Louis Armstrong • Louis And The Good Book • The Verve Music Group • 1958

Louis Armstrong, Go Down Moses: Throwback Vibez No. 4 (2024) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; The Verve Music Group; OpenClipart-Vectors, Speedy McVroom via  Pixabay]