Louis Armstrong

Lyrics

5 ContributorsAzalea LyricsIt was such a fine spring day
Down Lou'siana way
With fragrance divine
And such magnificent regalia
Oh, so fine
Azalea

Oh what a lovely sight
In red, pink and white
Can't help but believe
That nothing evil can assail you
So naïve
Azalea

You're at ease on the knees
Of the moss covered trees
Whose tops meet to make a high ceiling
In the church-like pomp
Of the cypress swamp
I've yet to get that same strange feeling

I've got to go back there
And find that blossom fair
I always dream of
'Cause with you who could be a failure?
My first love
AzaleaYou might also likeEmbed

Azalea is a classic jazz song that features the incredible talents of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. This song has stood the test of time and is still widely recognized as one of the greatest jazz pieces ever recorded. As a music expert with over 20 years of experience, I am excited to delve into the intricacies of this timeless masterpiece and share my knowledge with you.

About Azalea

Azalea was recorded in 1961 and was included in the album "The Great Summit: The Master Takes", which features Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington collaborating on several tracks. This piece stands out due to its intricate, yet subtle, melodies that showcase the virtuosity of both artists. The song opens with a beautiful and gentle piano melody before Armstrong's vocals enter with a smooth and effortless delivery. Throughout the song, Armstrong's trumpet and Ellington's piano weave in and out of each other, creating an intricate and harmonious soundscape that captivates the listener.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Azalea is its use of harmonic complexity. The chord progressions used in the song are a perfect example of Ellington's approach to composing. He was known for his innovative and unconventional use of harmony, often incorporating unexpected chord changes and progressions into his pieces. This is evident throughout Azalea, where the music takes several unexpected turns, yet always finds its way back to the main theme.

Another striking feature of Azalea is the way it showcases the strengths of both Armstrong and Ellington. Armstrong's vocals are filled with passion and emotion, and his trumpet playing is masterful as ever. Ellington's piano playing is equally impressive, and the way he interacts with Armstrong's vocals and trumpet is a testament to the incredible chemistry these two legends had.

All in all, Azalea is a stunning example of the virtuosity of both Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. It is a timeless piece of music that showcases the incredible talent of these two jazz giants. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of hearing this classic song, I highly recommend giving it a listen.

• Release Date: January 1, 1963
• Artist: Louis Armstrong