A standard symphony orchestra typically consists of about 80 to 100 musicians, but jazz bands comprise a much smaller number of about 3 to 25 musicians. In its potential for making excellent music, jazz is no less than orchestral music. Esperanza Emily Spalding, an American jazz musician, singer, songwriter, and composer who has won four Grammy Awards, said while performing a jazz concert song some years ago, “Europe gave us classical music, and jazz is America’s classical music”.
'What a Wonderful World', is considered a jazz standard, and was written by George David Weiss and Bob Thiele. It was first recorded live by the legendary singer Louis Armstrong in 1959 and then, in 1967, recorded in a studio and released. Louis passed away in 1971, and the recording received wider attention when it was used in an American war comedy film, ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’ in 1988. The song was then re-released.
It's a lovely song on the simple joys of life and has been covered by many singers over the past decades. I find Angie Fisher's the best for many reasons, not least of which are its simple presentation and heartfelt expressions. Besides, a female singer rendering the blooming of a rose, a rainbow, and children growing seems more apt, and the fact that she is a Black singer reminds us that jazz originated from the urban culture of American Black musicians but has transcended race and become a part of the American culture.
Ref: Wikipedia
Click this link to watch (3 min : 05 sec): 'What a Wonderful World' by Angie Fisher
The world is not an unfortunate accident, it is a marvel which moves towards its expression. - The Mother
(Excerpt: 27 November 1971, Words of the Mother - I, CWM Vol 13, Pg 15)