Naturally, trumpeter and vocalist extraordinaire Louis Armstrong swings the holidays on Louis Wishes You a Cool Yule, a compilation of material from previously released albums and singles from the 1950s. It gets jumpin’ on the fun-filled title cut on which he’s backed by a big band as he is on most of the selections.

A rare treat is the inclusion of Armstrong’s recitation of “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” a poem that is popularly known as “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Recorded on February 26, 1971, at his home in Queens, New York, it represents the icon’s last recording. New Orleans born pianist Sullivan Fortner was chosen to improvise beneath Armstrong’s reading, which was, of course, delivered by Satchmo’s warm and instantly recognizable voice. “I am so honored to have been selected for this project,” says Fortner who begins his interpretation of the poem with a soft touch. Later, he livens up the mood playing New Orleans-style piano. “Being from New Orleans, I wanted to try to present a little bit of this city’s piano heritage [Professor Longhair, James Booker, Henry Butler] and marry it with Pops,” Fortner explains.

Revisiting the duo of Armstrong and his favorite vocal partner, the great Ella Fitzgerald singing “I’ve Got My Love to Keep Me Warm,” keeps the spirit bright as does the hilarious “’Zat You Santa Claus?” This version comes from a single and closes with Armstrong merrily exclaiming, “That’s him alright!”

Hilarity continues to reign on Pop’s duo with vocalist Velma Middleton doing the classic “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” The live recording, which captures the audience laughing at the pair’s antics, was released as a single.

Louis Wishes You a Cool Yule shouts from the housetops Louis Armstrong’s love of the holiday season.