'The Special Magic of Louis Armstrong'
A LIGHTFOOT SALUTE TO SATCHELMOUTH

The Louis Armstrong Tribute show poster (above) and Terry meets Louis Armstrong during Satch's 1965 GB tour (below).

Of all current European Bandleaders, the one most appropriate to head any tribute to LOUIS ARMSTRONG is without a doubt TERRY LIGHTFOOT. Terry had formed his first band in 1955 when, a year later, he was to become one of the very few British musicians to actually play alongside the great man, whose nickname by now had been abbreviated to SATCHMO. Terry played with Louis and other visitors at a welcoming dinner in Armstrong's honour at a Soho restaurant.

This encounter was to lead to Louis inviting Terry Lightfoot and his Band to share the bill for the 1965 UK tour by THE LOUIS ARMSTRONG ALL STARS. That was the tour which introduced 'Hello Dolly' into the hit parade.

To celebrate the Louis Armstrong Centennial, Terry Lightfoot and his Band are presenting a tribute to the life of Louis entitled 'THE SPECIAL MAGIC OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG.

The show will include not only the great songs of the later stages of Louis' career such as 'Hello Dolly', 'Mame', Wonderful World', 'Cabaret' etc. and earlier film hits from 'High Society' and before, but also the great 'hot' jazz instrumentals from Louis Armstrong's earlier days with The Hot Five, King Oliver etc.

The CD entitled THE SPECIAL MAGIC OF LOUIS ARMSTRONG was accorded The British Music Industry Award for Excellence in 1996 and this fine recording has been re-launched to coincide with the tour.