This study examines Armstrong's cornet and trumpet work during his most innovative period, 1923-28, with a view to laying bare the sources of some of the impulses which contribute to the great outburst of emotion and variety of styles that inform that work. Analysis of the styles of contemporaries such as Bunk Johnson, King Oliver, Sidney Bechet, Bessie Smith, Bix Beiderbecke, Earl Hines and others reveals characteristics which affected Armstrong. Influences such as white bands, opera and radio, minor modality, other compositions and the desire for anonymity are also treated. The study...