Jim R Posted October 11, 2009 Report Posted October 11, 2009 I'm looking for some clarification regarding this recording (that is, the famous one that is so prevalent in the media). From the info I've been able to find online, it appears that there were at least two versions released, but it's unclear to me which one is the famous one. I started searching for details about who the arranger was, and found that there were two orchestral recordings done roughly three years apart, with different personnel and different arrangers. According to this website, it was recorded in August of 1967, and released on an ABC Paramount 45rpm. The arranger on this is given as Tommy Goodman. It was also recorded in May of 1970, with Oliver Nelson arranging, but it's unclear to me what label that was released on. From general searching elsewhere, it appears that versions have been released on: a Flying Dutchman LP "Louis Armstrong and his Friends" a GNP CD (?) an RCA/Bluebird CD "What A Wonderful World" (the title taking advantage of the posthumous popularity of the recording as a result of its use in "Good Morning, Vietnam"). So, I guess what I'm mainly wondering is which recording (the '67 or the '70) is the famous one, and has anybody even heard the other one? Any other thoughts or observations would be great too. Quote
jeffcrom Posted October 11, 2009 Report Posted October 11, 2009 The first version is the famous one. The 1970 version is the one arranged by Oliver Nelson and released on Flying Dutchman (reissued on RCA). It's got an annoying heavier rock beat. Quote
Dan Gould Posted October 11, 2009 Report Posted October 11, 2009 The first version is the famous one. The 1970 version is the one arranged by Oliver Nelson and released on Flying Dutchman (reissued on RCA). It's got an annoying heavier rock beat. How sad. I was hoping to find out that Oliver's version almost made it listenable. Turns out it made it worse. Quote
jeffcrom Posted October 11, 2009 Report Posted October 11, 2009 Should have added that the easiest source for the well-known version is the GRP/Decca album What a Wonderful World. Late in the day for Armstrong, but it's still Louis. And I've always thought that his trumpet solo on "Dream a Little Dream of Me" from this album was a masterpiece of timing and note choice. Quote
Tom Storer Posted October 11, 2009 Report Posted October 11, 2009 My favorite version is on YouTube. Quote
medjuck Posted October 11, 2009 Report Posted October 11, 2009 Were both versions produced by Bob Thiel? He owned Flying Dutchman and iirc he gets some acomposer credit on the song? Quote
Jim R Posted October 11, 2009 Author Report Posted October 11, 2009 Thanks for the info, jeffcrom. Quote
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