Alright, let’s dive into We Shall Overcome Part 1 and 2 by Louis Armstrong And His Friends. Released in 1970 on the Flying Dutchman label outta Amsterdam, this jazz-meets-funk/soul album leans hard into gospel vibes. It’s not your typical Louis Armstrong record—this one feels more like a soulful rally cry than just some smooth tunes to sip coffee to.
The two tracks here are basically halves of the same song: “We Shall Overcome - Part 1” and “Part 2.” At first glance, it might seem kinda bare-bones, but man, these tracks pack a punch. I’ll break down why they stuck with me.
“We Shall Overcome - Part 1” hits you right off the bat with that iconic Louis voice—gravelly, warm, and full of grit. You can tell he ain’t just singing; he’s feeling every word. The backing choir adds this rich layer, almost like a church service breaking out in your living room. There’s no flashy trumpet soloing here (which is kinda surprising for Louis), but honestly? It works. The focus stays on the message, and dang if it doesn’t give you goosebumps. This isn’t music to vibe to—it’s music to believe to.
Then there’s “Part 2,” which flips the script a bit. It starts off quiet, almost contemplative, before building up with this funky bassline and organ swirls that feel straight outta a Sunday morning jam session. What gets me is how raw it sounds—like everyone in the room was pouring their heart out without overthinking it. By the end, it’s less about perfection and more about emotion, which makes it hit harder than most polished albums from back then.
Why do I remember these tracks? Probably because they don’t try too hard. They’re simple yet powerful, stripped-down but still dripping with soul. Plus, hearing Louis belt out lines like “we shall overcome someday” feels kinda surreal when you think about everything happening in ’70s America. Feels like hope bottled up in vinyl form.
Now, here’s the weird part—I listened to this album while cooking dinner last week, and halfway through “Part 2,” my cat jumped onto the counter and knocked over an entire jar of paprika. Messy, yeah, but also kinda fitting? Like even animals couldn’t ignore the energy coming from those speakers. Go figure.
Anyway, if you’re looking for something different from ol’ Satchmo, check this one out. It’s not gonna be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you dig gospel-infused jazz with a side of funk, this’ll do the trick.
