A superior New Orleans-style pianist, Armand Hug tended to be underrated throughout his life, but his many recordings are still quite enjoyable. Hug spent much of his life in his native New Orleans, where he began playing in public in 1923. He joined Harry Shields' band in 1926, worked a bit with the New Orleans Owls in 1928, and made his recording debut with Sharkey Bonano in 1936. Hug primarily performed as a solo pianist, having long residencies at various clubs and also hosting his own series on local television. Armand Hug recorded as a leader for New Orleans Bandwagon, Capitol, Good Time Jazz, Circle, Paramount, Southland, and Golden Crest, along with three fine albums in the 1970s for Swaggie. ~ Scott Yanow