Simply the Best.....
Mark R. Lewis | So. Thomaston, ME United States | 12/03/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Unfortunately for Harry James, when great trumpeters are discussed among the less-informed, people always talk about Miles, Dizzy, Satchmo, Maynard, etc. (And well they should!) But unless you are a big-band afficiando or a trumpet player, Harry James doesn't come up on the short list. And it should. Harry is unjustly labeled as "schmaltzy" because he made a few bucks on his many hits for the record-buying public back in the 40's, but the truth is...Harry was a "Mutha"! No one...repeat....NO-ONE was as powerful, technically perfect, hard-swinging, and as versatile as Harry. Clark Terry even remarked that "Harry was a BITCH!" Miles loved Harry as well. Adolph Herseth confessed he was a big Harry James fan as a youth. So this collection should not be missed by anyone who digs big-band, or anyone considering what CD's to start their jazz collection. This CD will satisfy! BUT.....if you liked this, you will LOVE "Trumpet Blues- The Best of Harry James". There is a KILLER version of "James Session" that will nicely illustrate the power and technique of Harry James."
Harry's trumpet
S. Hynek | Arlington Heights, IL United States | 09/29/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Harry was one of the great trumpters. It was a pleasure to listen to his best works again
"
Harry James in his golden years
Charles S. Pickard | Jacksonville | 05/13/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The fidelity of these sessions is phenominal. The sound is a mature Harry James, not a blaring trumpet in the upper range, but a seasoned mellow sound of a seasoned master. I've been a Harry James fan for years and have most of his early stuff. His dexterity and high range were only matched by Louis Armstrong and a few others.
This is a transition album, taken from various sessions and recorded under exacting condtions under fantastic acoustics. Sheffield Lab is an audiophile
recording company. Harry is at his relaxed best, a mature tone, and a tremendous band behind him."