Pianist and vocalist Lil Armstrong [1898-1971] encouraged her husband Louis Armstrong to break away from his fellow New Orleanians in King Oliver’s band and to make for New York and greater fame. They had met when she was known as Lil Hardin and was the pianist in the band. Later they recorded together on his Hot Five sessions. Subsequently, they divorced; Louis moving on to worldwide prominence, she to making her way as a successful bandleader and solo performer.

Upbeat’s timely compilation collects all six of her fine Decca Swing Band sessions; they mostly feature her excitable, cute-sounding vocals, only two have her at the piano. The players she selected were among the best African–American swing sidemen of the day, save for the February 1938 date which is all-white, the trumpeters chosen largely reflecting Louis’ style and approach.

The pieces are mostly hers, including ‘Just For A Thrill’, a hit for Ray Charles in 1969, the solos short and pertinent, their effect somewhat analogous to what Fats Waller was doing with his Rhythm group at the time. Key soloists like Berry, Thomas and Jones impress as does Bailey, a clarinettist who had a storied career and who plays on four of the sessions. He’s heard, incisive as ever, on ‘Harlem on A Saturday Night’ with Higginbotham in typically rumbustious form alongside trumpeter Reunald Jones, Miss Lil vocalising and playing stomping piano. There are no duds here: just 26 engaging songs, some with a novelty edge, all neatly arranged, and performed with maximum zest. All in good sound too: a delight to have.