Harry And His Orchestra James - Best Of Harry James And His Orchestra

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Music reviews of Best Of Harry James And His Orchestra

Music Review: Beautiful sound quality!
Rating: 5 Stars

So many "greatest hits" compilations miss the mark either in quality or song selection. But this disc lives up to its billing as the "Best" of the James orchestra. It contains one of the stellar and swingiest tunes of the Big Band era, "Ciribiribin," (though this version is inferior to the more famous "single" version). It's hard to listen to this song and not appreciate the brilliant arrangement and musicianship displayed here. Along with Goodman's "Sing, Sing Sing" and Glenn Miller's "In the Mood" this has got to be in the top ten of any Big Band all-time greatest list.

It's a pity that James has been somewhat forgotten today and shoved aside in preference of Benny, Glenn and Artie. Was his band as good as those giants? No, but this disc shows that his band could swing, had a phenomenal musician named Harry whose virtuosity remains amazing. This is a must have album for anyone serious about the Big Band era.

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