New Orleans and Chicago Dixieland [blend] (1928)

Louis Armstrong, trumpet and vocal; Fred Robinson, trombone; Jimmy Strong, clarinet; Earl Hines, piano; Mancy Cara, banjo; Zutty Singleton, drums.

In West End Blues it is interesting to see the number of elements that are New Orleans (the banjo and drums with their flat-four feel) and those that speak to Chicago style (piano and longer solos). This was not only typical of this recording. The two styles are related, and the overlap is ever-present. In fact, few performances of either style are truly definitive of New Orleans or Chicago styles. The musicians themselves were more interested in the players available to them than in the purity of the style. It is also interesting that Armstrong recorded so many songs that did not have a bass instrument. This recording is unique and transitional. 
