Bradley Myers

Louis Armstrong’s solo on “Hotter Than That” is a solid representation of the

stylistic and musical innovations Armstrong was pioneering during the last half of

the nineteen twenties. This track is particularly useful due to the insight that can be

gained from a side-by-side comparison of Louis’ Cornet playing to his singing. When

analyzed with this approach, the listener is afforded a deeper look at what the artist

was trying to communicate. One of the first things the listener experiences is this

tight and calculated articulation, meticulously placed on the beat and the complete

control of the length of each note on the cornet. This was the core of Louis’ musical

conception, what is recognized as swing. At first listen, Armstrong’s scat break after

the clarinet solo is instantly recognizable as Louis. The consistency in his approach

to swing, regardless of instrument is a testament to Armstrong’s place as a stylistic

innovator. We find in his scat solo the same attention to articulation, rhythm and

note length; making it apparent that Louis is not mimicking his horn or the other

way around, but that both instruments are vehicles to communicate his musical

conception. It is important to note how Louis stretches the time on his scat solo,

which is usually accompanied by a sort of elastic approach to pitch, creating a very

specific effect. Armstrong’s style is also rooted in his manipulation of pitch, both in

moving lines and on single notes. Louis really makes his cornet and voice feel

flexible during shakes and long slides to and from the pitch. His use of blue notes

throughout reinforces his soulfulness and total control of sound. Louis Armstrong is

the product of these characteristics, and with his beautiful personality, they create

one the greatest musical individuals of Jazz.