About this Event
Although Lil Hardin Armstrong is best known as the wife of Louis Armstrong and pianist on his original Hot 5 recordings, there’s a lot more to explore…and we’re fortunate to have James Posedel as our guide for the evening!
Lil Hardin was hired by jazz pioneer King Oliver as his pianist, followed a couple of years later by Louis Armstrong (playing second trumpet to the first trumpet of King Oliver). Lil’s encouragement was instrumental in Louis’s development and to his eventual departure to lead his own band. Lil also composed a number of tunes associated with Louis, most notably “Struttin’ with Some Barbeque”.
They later divorced, but Lil Hardin Armstrong continued as a pianist and composer. Passing away in 1971, her musical career encompassed the first half century of jazz.
James and his Posey Royale band will joyfully share the depth of her work…and he’s the right guy to do it. James is one of the few pianists who has ever taken on transcribing (copying from recordings onto music paper) her music - to the extent of transcribing even the bass lines. The band includes musicians who can bring this music to life based on their experience. For example, singer Caroline Scruggs will be travelling from Virginia to Greenville to help present this music.
They’ll be performing in our venue, the Coffee Underground Theater, which is an intimate listening room which also serves homemade desserts, delicious coffee from beans roasted on premises, and an assortment of teas, wine, and cocktails. Tickets for many of our Jazz Underground series have been selling out recently, so you will want to not wait...and to buy your tickets now!
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Coffee Underground, 1 East Coffee Street, Greenville, United States
USD 12.51 to USD 23.18
